Matt & Kim expands its sound with “Sidewalks”

By Haile Lidow
Staff Writer

The vibrant, upbeat nature that characterizes Matt & Kim has been maintained in their new album, “Sidewalks,” released November 2.

Brooklyn-based vocalist and keyboardist Matt Johnson and drummer/vocalist Kim Schifino draw from the vibe of New York City as their main inspiration, using a street-view graphic with graffiti-inspired screen print overlay as the cover for their third album.

The duo has been around since 2004 but did not become well known until the release of their second album, “Grand,” in 2009. Since then the band has grown notorious for their upbeat, lighthearted songs created with genuine energy and happiness.

“Sidewalks” is no exception to their incredibly uncomplicated yet uplifting sound. If anything, Matt & Kim deviates slightly on their typical sound while still staying true to their happy-go-lucky pop song feel.

With their typically simplistic and catchy songs comes a new influence that can be seen in the new release: producer Ben Allen, most recently known for working on Animal Collective’s “Merriweather Post Pavilion.”

Allen’s vision can be seen in songs such as “Northeast,” which embraces a slower beat than the duo’s usually spastic nature while still conveying Matt & Kim’s signature nostalgia of being young.

Another aspect coming as a pleasant surprise in several songs is a hip-hop feel and backbeat. On tracks such as “Block After Block” and “Cameras” the duo embraces this new influence, providing a more danceable beat.

With “Sidewalks,” Matt & Kim also gets a little fancier in their instrumentation. The band has been gradually snowballing into a more matured sound, and “Sidewalks” seems to accurately pick up where “Grand” left off. Violins, trumpets and trombones join the instruments of the second album, adding power to the music while not overshadowing the previous emphasis on the drums, keyboard, and vocals.

Matt & Kim’s latest release marks an evolution to their style, as they retain what they value most: having fun. “Sidewalks” has just as much energy as ever, and is a welcomed addition to the band’s repertoire. The entire album can be found on iTunes for $7.99.