For fans of the alternative duo Matt & Kim, the band’s fourth album does not disappoint. Lightning is as dynamic as the title suggests, with upbeat tunes that hearken back to classic Matt & Kim singles.
The first track, “Let’s Go,” has all the fun for which Matt & Kim’s greatest singles, such as “Daylight,” are known. The second track, “Now,” echoes the loud, drum-heavy anthems of the band’s 2009 record Grand, complete with a catchy chorus that will have you shouting along every time you listen.
The later tracks possess Matt & Kim’s signature wordplay, though some of the zingers feel a bit forced and fall flat. “Like a picture/I was overexposed,” from “Overexposed” is less memorable than the lyrical equivocations present in many of the tracks on Sidewalks, the band’s previous record, and one can’t help but wonder how many successful albums the band can release after this one.
The song’s final track, “Ten Dollars I Found,” is the album’s only slow track and has few lyrics. While the track is lovely, it would have been nice if there were at least one other ballad to balance out all of the fun of the other songs. Breaking up the style would help prevent the feeling that all of Matt & Kim’s songs are beginning to sound the same.
Like most Matt & Kim songs, every track on this album could easily be featured on a movie soundtrack or in a commercial. If you’re looking for cheery tracks to sing along with, this album is perfect, but don’t be surprised if you don’t find anything new.
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