Classic Matt and Kim

Matt and Kim are back. After taking a hiatus forced by Kim Schifino’s gruesome leg injury, the two come back to music with the same upbeat mixes they are known for. Their new album, Almost Everyday, is full of positivity and buoyant tones carried by the same clean melodies we have come to expect from them. It is full of guest appearances as well, featuring Kevin Ray of Walk the Moon, Santigold and Travis Hawley of Night Riots.

On “Forever,” the duo enlisted the help of Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus as well as backing vocals from punk group SWMRS. The track is packed full of energy with loud drumming and screaming vocals. They start the song with classic Matt and Kim positivity, singing “Together, we’ll bring our A team / There’s no second string.” From there, the song builds to an energy-filled chorus that diverts from the encouraging nature of the rest of the song. “Don’t wanna live forever / In this world of shit /World of shit, this world of shit / Don’t wanna live forever / If things stay like this.” This underlying fear seems to be a continuation of the themes of their last LP, We Were the Weirdos, where their usual friendly nature was absent.

On “All In My Head,” the duo delivers another heavy energy track that builds to a fever pitch with drums and the repeating vocals of Matt screaming the track title. Right before that, the duo features on “On My Own,” a track about succeeding together. He acknowledges the event that led to last year’s tour cancellations as he sings “that stage dive was rough” before the song takes off with Matt’s empathic and repeated delivery of “I know I didn’t get here on my own” as Kim’s drums back him up.

This release has all the classic Matt and Kim melodies and vibes, with an emphasis on bouncing back from an awful injury. It also features a creeping theme of fear that is mixed into the songs and album quite effectively. The features on this album are fun to see as well, as they are so rare in the world of alternative radio. Expect this album as a sign of more good things to come from the duo.