Matt and Kim Lightning Tour: A Review

With the recent release of their fourth album, Lightning, the indie rock duo Matt and Kim launched a promotional tour that kicked off earlier this month. Lucky for us college students (really, it was free with FSU IDs) the tour made a stop right here in Tallahassee. If their array of high-energy songs were indicative of their live performance, surely they could not disappoint (Hint: they didn’t).

Photo by dirty black chucks via Flickr.com

After making it into the venue at the Moon, a group of us found a spot near the sound booth, close enough to have a good view without being engulfed by the swarm of people near the front, and awaited the opening band to start. Oberhofer was a perfect prelude to what was to come. After playing a few tracks from their debut album, the audience was finally getting pumped up and got into the set. Being familiar with Oberhofer, I was pleased when they played my favorite, “oOoO”.

Even with a great opener, it was obvious the audience was anxious to see the main act. From the moment Matt and Kim stepped on stage it was non-stop chaos. The two made it clear that they were ecstatic to be there (they weren’t f***ing around) and wanted us to feel the same, so they were constantly engaging with the crowd. Their stage presence was immense for just two people. From Kim’s perpetual grin to Matt’s energy, it’s undeniable their passion for what they do.

Of course there were songs from their new album, hence the name of the tour, but they made sure to throw in some oldies but goodies that the crowd appreciated, who doesn’t still love “Daylight”? The atmosphere they created was incredible, and the relatively small size of the venue made it more intimate and engaging. The lightshow enhanced each song perfectly and were just as crazy as the two. With faster songs like “Let’s Go” and “Now”, the lights were fast, bright, and seizure inducing. For slower songs when everyone needed a breather, things calmed down, but just a little. Throw in balloons, confetti, crowd surfing (even Kim joined in!), and encores, you’ve got yourself a successful show.

It’s always reassuring when a band sounds just as good, if not better than their recordings. If you thought just listening to Matt and Kim while getting ready pumped you up and put you in a good mood, seeing them perform live does not even compare. Overall, the concert was great, their unconventional performance definitely did not disappoint.