Everything about the Brooklyn-based duo Matt and Kim is madly, frenetically, amazingly, terrifyingly, gloriously energized. Anyone who’s heard their tracks recorded or seen their music videos would be hard-pressed to disagree. [Right now: Look up the “Lessons Learned” music video. Omigod. Stripping in Times Square in real time. In winter. Boss behavior. Note: not safe for work. So maybe not RIGHT now depending on where you are.]
Long story short, the pint-sized couple attack their instruments (and, in some videos, each other) with an unparalleled fever, fury and fervor that generate songs that are catchy, powerful, and bound to get your body moving and blood racing. Their rhythms have been described as “dangerously spastic,” and used to sell fast-paced cars, sugar-packed candy bars, and drinks meant to fuel action-packed nights.
Needless to say, I was pumped to see the two in action for the first time. I imagined they’d be incredibly animated, super happy, full of smiles. So what were they really? You know, for the first time in a long time, I’m absolutely at a loss for words. There’s just no way to do justice to the essence of Matt and Kim in a form as passive as writing. They’re unbelievable. Imagine a nuclear bomb exploding on a rocket ship placed on a motorboat being driven by a racecar. Visualize a birthday party of five year olds on a moonbounce fed nothing but sheet cake, 5-hour energies, and crack cocaine. Try running an ironman followed by an ultra-marathon finished with a tough mudder. That’s a tenth of the energy Kim alone has in her pinky finger. No, the nail of her pinky finger. The woman’s arms could crush a Mac truck. No sweat.
What I’m trying to say is, while I’ve honestly enjoyed other concerts more (liked the music better, thought the banter was higher quality, etc) Matt and Kim were, without question, the most explosive act I have ever seen. And they are so determined to elevate their audience to their same level – it’s incredible. And boy, does the crowd react. The duo got HUGE love from the sold-out 9:30 Club as they rocked the stage with tracks old and new – many from their recently released album New Glow. “Lessons Learned,” “Make a Mess,” and “Hoodies On” were probably my top three songs of the night. But the music was essentially background entertainment to the show that Matt and Kim put on. They threw confetti, they dance-partied, they climbed on instruments, they shouted, they cursed, they demanded crowd-surfing, they hyped, they screamed, they flexed, they threw out balloons, they “microscopic-titty-flashed” (well, Kim did) … they delivered.
My favorite part of the duo’s dialogue was Matt’s description of Kim’s warm up. Apparently, the woman battle-dances herself in a mirror before each show. Just dialing it up, dialing it up, dialing it up – by herself with herself. I just can’t fathom how that woman functions. But let me tell you, I’m glad she does.
If you’re thinking about seeing them: go. If you’re not thinking about seeing them: go. You will absolutely not experience anything like it anywhere else. They are the antithesis of FOMO – you’ll know you’re at the most fun spot in your city at that moment if Matt and Kim are in the same venue you are.