If music is one big party, Matt and Kim sit at the head of the kids’ table. The dynamic duo has embraced their indie pop identity over the years, producing energetic tracks filled with bubbly lyrics and beats. While irresistibly catchy, Matt and Kim’s latest album New Glow proves to be nothing new. On this album, Matt and Kim’s upbeat dance anthems still exude their undeniable charm, but lack any sort of growth.
This album shows that growth isn’t always necessary for a charming and catchy dance tune. With the use of bouncy keyboard lines and uplifting drumbeats and handclaps, the vibrant pair holds to their signature, spirited style. Filled with encouraging lyrics and sunshiny attitude, songs like “Not Alone” and “Can You Blame Me” can successfully brighten even the grayest of days.
On “Not Alone,” Matt Johnson’s animated vocals compliment the catchy beat with a reassuring, albeit surface-level refrain, “Hey There / You know / We’re not in this alone.” This peak of the album captures Matt and Kim’s confident and youthful musical glow.
However, in comparison to their past albums, their sound on New Glow feels a bit stagnant. The rest of the album includes slight variations of similarly layered beats, prominently utilizing keyboard and drums with moments of synth weaved in. “Stirred Up” and “See Ya” stray just far enough from the cheerful style of the rest of the tracks to create some musical depth, but they come off as out of place rather than as an innovative, artistic step on their path towards the future.
The fluffy and repetitive lyrics seem to be merely a means to an end for Matt and Kim in putting on a playful show and lifting the spirits of listeners. Matt and Kim have fun with their music, and don’t show any signs of changing that with their latest effort. New Glow may lack something new, but its light and playful notes throughout prove that dancing on the table – even the kids’ table – is always in style.
Voice’s Choices: “Not Alone”, “Can You Blame Me”
