Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino. This keyboardist and drummer duo make up indie band Matt & Kim, and their newest creation, Lightning dropped on Oct. 2. Past albums Grand and Sidewalks impressed critics and garnered fans with their raw style, lyrics and sound. Sidewalks grew from Grand’s happy-go-lucky sound (like with “Daylight”) by incorporating different beats and a heavier feel (like with “Ice Melts”).
Lightning is neither of these experiences. It is cardiac arrest. Noisier than past albums, there is a constant barrage of sound that skates around being too busy to being just the right amount of pep. Keeping with Matt & Kim’s fast-paced repertoire, there is barely a breather in any of the beginning tracks aside from some creative tempo change.
“Let’s Go” kicks off Lightning in typical Matt & Kim fashion with a sick beat and lyrics that speak to the present moment, throwing caution to the wind and living youthfully. “Say what you want to want to say/make it mean everything” runs through the song and sets up the album’s over-arching tone which alternates between life coach and drill sergeant.
The more experimental “Now” plays with dubstep and drops that would make even the most narcissistic DJs a little self-conscious. Lyrics like “We will all ride this thing down,” “I know things aren’t perfect” and  “sometimes truth sounds just like lies” culminate the feeling of an older sibling relaying advice.
“It’s All Right” slows for a moment of continuing paternal reassurance before propelling into “Not That Bad” which emphasizes calm in the face of adversity. This track uses a lot of the traditional Grand-esque piano and trumpets that seems to be missing from previous tracks, light enough to give the listener a much needed break.
Though it brings the energy back up, “Overexposed” pales when compared to its successor “I Said.” The flavor in “I Said” is a unique mash of everything that came before it. It does more for me than the beginning of the album because it sincerely is trying at something new without cramming too much into one song. The repetition of lyrics beats you over the head so that you can only nod along and chant ritualistically.
In fact, “I Said” seems to be the fulcrum of the album, separating out the rush of the beginning from the more controlled second half. “Tonight” still features sirens leading into bitching drops and builds but doesn’t lose itself in cacophony. Instead, it builds naturally into its chorus.
My absolute favorite beat of the whole album occurs in “I Wonder,” which is completely unique yet so in alignment with the maturity I’d expect from a fourth album. Even the lyrics take a different direction from the rest of Lightning, becoming more introspective and even aggressive (heard mostly in “Much Too Late”).
Once “Ten Dollars I Found” wraps up Lightning, there are many conclusions you could draw from the past half hour or so of music with the first being that this album is hopelessly optimistic. It gives you a violent hug at every turn to reassure you that no matter what precipice you face, Matt & Kim will catch you before you spiral down.
As much as I appreciate Matt & Kim’s consistency and the progression of their sound, I felt nostalgic for previous albums where I didn’t feel as hurried along from track to track. The hyperactivity of the beginning wears you out, but thankfully it is redeemed by a cool down (or at least Matt & Kim’s interpretation of one) during the second half. “Ten Dollars I Found” is an elegant close, a much needed piano ballad with lovely simplicity after the intensity of the tracks that came before.
A line from the very first track, “Let’s Go,” seems to sum up Lightning perfectly: “All these words/I don’t need them now.” It’s true. Matt & Kim have transcended words and melodies and brought us to a whole new realm where urban pop, hip-hop and indie rock can all orgy to make your ear holes happy. It’s a fantastic ride, though rushed at times, but still staying true to classic Matt & Kim.
Matt and Kim will be stopping by the lightning capital of the world with Lightning; more specifically at The Ritz in Ybor on Oct. 17. Tickets are on sale now.
Critic’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Amanda Sieradzki can be reached at asieradzki@spartans.ut.edu
Leave a Reply