Indie, Pop and Rock Fusion

Once again, Matt and Kim create an eclectic blend of tracks. An experiment of mainstream sounds mixed with Matt Johnson’s signature vocals fuses indie, pop, and rock together to appeal to both pop and rock music listeners with New Glow.

Keyboardist and vocalist, Matt Johnson and drummer, Kim Schifino released their first official record in 2006, but they had been a band before then. With this new album and years of growth since, Matt and Kim continues to stay true to their sound aesthetic and love of New York.

New Glow is their fifth album and it is made up of ten tracks that are upbeat and encapsulate what listeners presently like and want to hear. With the catchy hook of “Get it up, stirred up, let’s get it,” “Stirred Up” borrows hip-hop and electronic beats to make its way onto the dance music scene.  And that is all it is, its sole purpose is to get you on your feet.

“Hoodie On” seems like a pointless addition to New Glow because it basically describes multiple scenarios in which someone might wear a hoodie. Hoodies are comfortable and anyone’s go to, but there is no need for a song dedicated to just that. This song does have a positive: Although there is much to be desired from the lyrics, the beat is catchy.

Filled with whimsy and promise, “Not Alone” is reminiscent of “Daylight.” It is a good song to remind you about sharing life’s moments with those you love most. The last thirty seconds of this tune are very much rock with the instrumental staples of guitar and drums guiding it along.

It is disheartening to hear the possible use of auto tune in New Glow because although it is a device that most pop music artists revert to, you would think Matt and Kim would stay away from it because it diminishes their originality.

Sometimes new music is just an operative phrase to describe a new album of similar sounding songs to what is already on the radio and New Glow seems to fall in line with that. Whether it’s the lack of depth in lyrics from the song “Stirred Up” or “Get It”, Matt and Kim’s album pointedly strays into mainstream desires. It is not all bad and the novelty of Matt’s voice and the experimental sounds can help you sit through a listen of this album.