Top 40 hip-hop blasted over the Troubadours speakers as Matt & Kim strutted their way on stage like some bizzaro, Pixie Stix fueled version of The White Stripes. The last time I saw the Brooklyn duo was at the Jensens Rec Center during the F Yeah Fest a couple years ago. Their infectious tunes had left an impression in me almost as permanent as Kims smile. Ah yes, that smile makes Giada De Laurenttiis seem like a mild simper.
Unlike that fateful night in Echo Park, which had a no frills, basement show type of feel to it, Matt & Kim were touring in support of their latest album Grand and put on a show of just that nature. Fancy projected visuals flanked the pair and a huge glow-in-the-dark banner provided a backdrop for their fist pump, hand clap filled show.
As soon as the first song kicked in the crowd was sea of dancin feet and smilin faces. The energy level was high all night. Old favorites like Lightspeed and Yea Yeah prompted synchronized clapping and the age-old art of crowd surfing from both the fans and even Matt himself.
Perhaps the songs off Grand were still working their way into the memories of the fans but Matt pointed out that it had been released on January 20th, which drew applause and cheers as Matt recounted his optimism and relief about our new president.
It was obvious how stoked Matt & Kim were about playing that night in West Hollywood. Matt kept taking time between songs to mention how a sold out show at a venue they loved made all the shows played in front of people you could count on one hand or, sometimes, no one at all, totally worth it.
A cover of Europes 1986 classic The Final Countdown segued into the nights final song. Afterwards, Matt & Kim high-fived and hugged their way off the stage and into the crowd before heading out to DJ their after party with many fans in tow.
Matt & Kim arent the most complicated band in the world. With just keys and drums paired with sing-a-long styled lyrics the band creates an energy and atmosphere thats impossible not to have fun in. They reminded me of when I first went to experience The Aquabats. They just made you feel good. Really good.
