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Thursday, March 28

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Concert Tue Sep 21 2010

Review: Matt and Kim @ Metro, 9/19

Matt of Matt and Kim (photo by Katie Hovland)


I've got a curse with Matt and Kim. Despite trying to see the band multiple times, something has always happened last minute, preventing me from witnessing the saccharine sweet pop duo live. I've always been a fan of their stripped down bouncy brand of pop, their videos, and they're two of the nicest people I've ever sat down and interviewed. So Sunday night was a big night for me, as I was finally able to break my Matt and Kim curse (barely).

I say barely because once again, my Matt and Kim curse tried to get the best of me about 15 minutes before the duo took the stage. While chatting with my friend Will, he suddenly crumpled to the floor. Passed out cold, I shouted for security, and in less than 30 seconds, three security guards were helping me prop him up and Metro's designated medical aid was bringing him water and checking him out. I just have to take a moment to recognize the Metro staff and how well they responded to this situation. They were professional, friendly, and really took care of my friend, just another reason why the Metro is one of my favorite Chicago venues.

After blaming the incident on dehydration and the curse, my friend and I were able to make it back upstairs to see the entire floor pogo-ing in time to their hit "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare." The duo interjected top 40 and 90s hip hop snippets into their set all night (both of them are huge hip hop fans). They also have the energy of a nine year old that has ate his weight in Pixy Stix. I've never seen someone bang a drum set so hard while wearing the biggest smile the way Kim does live. It's a true testament to the idea of doing what you love as a career.

Matt & Kim_Gapers.jpg

Kim of Matt and Kim (photo by Katie Hovland)


The duo never slows down, and that energy really rubs off on the audience. During "Jesse Jane" Matt flips into a handstand while playing the keyboard, his legs balancing on the LED light display behind him. They have the crowd sing the chorus to "Lessons Learned," a frenzied mosh pit breaking out across the floor. Between songs the two decide that no one has ever crowd surfed the entire audience length of the Metro, and pick a girl to do just that, encouraging and chanting from stage. They lead the crowd in an Ol' Dirty Bastard singalong while Kim jumps on her kit and booty dances. They hand out balloons for the audience to blow up and release into the crowd. It's obvious that the only thing Matt and Kim care about onstage is having fun, and they go above and beyond to make sure the audience is doing just that.

Matt & Kim_1_Gapers.jpg

Matt of Matt and Kim (photo by Katie Hovland)


I'm glad my Matt and Kim curse is broken, and in the best possible way with singalongs and a good amount of sweat. It's been a long time since I've seen the Metro floor that energetic, no pretension or holding back, just pure hyperactive fun. The music is simple, nothing complicated, but isn't that what pop music is suppose to be? You let loose, feel young, have a good time, and end the night all smiles.

Matt & Kim_8_Gapers.jpg

Kim of Matt and Kim (photo by Katie Hovland)

 
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Katie Hovland / September 22, 2010 11:32 AM

Happy you were finally able to see them Lisa :)

Jenny / September 23, 2010 12:14 PM

Thanks for the kind words about our staff Lisa. We're glad to hear Will is all better and you got to see Matt & Kim!

Will / September 23, 2010 2:14 PM

i feel famous :) but seriously great show and Metro Staff is A-OK in my book. thanks again and sorry for the scare :)

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Feature Thu Dec 31 2015

Our Final Transmission Days

By The Gapers Block Transmission Staff

Transmission staffers share their most cherished memories and moments while writing for Gapers Block.

Read this feature »

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