Kim Schifino struts her stuff at 9:30 Club on May 2, 2018. (Photo by Brenda Reyes)
The crowd went wild for the first of two sold-out nights of Matt and Kim at the 9:30 Club on Wednesday. The band wanted to see every single person having the time of their lives during their set. I can testify that everyone did!
This was my first time seeing Matt and Kim live, so I didn’t know know what I was getting myself into. They open up with “It’s Alright,” from their Lightning album — their fourth, released in 2012. Kim Schifino’s energy filled the club with her drumming, and Matt Johnson matched her with his singing. During “Forever,” confetti and deflated balloons were thrown in the crowd. Balloons were filled by fans and thrown in the air to make it all the way to the balcony.
The punchy, upbeat “Forever” is the lead single from the sixth studio album by Matt and Kim — Almost Everyday, released only Friday via Fader. Its fast tempo masks the fact that Matt and Kim are calling our world “full of sh**.” But Matt and Kim were determined to throw a party despite their view on contemporary times.
Matt and Kim are known for a pop-punk style that kicked in right away, and a mosh wall erupted mid-set for the drop during “Now,” also from standout album Lightning. Crowd surfers popped up left and right. Dance pits also ensued at the same time. It felt like a true punk show (battle bruises were later found the next day).
Between the banter with the crowd, Matt’s “stiff” dancing and funny parody of Bohemian Rhapsody, and the incredible energy that you felt in the crowd, I now know what a Matt and Kim show is like. Between Kim’s incredible drumming and Matt’s skills on the keys and mic — plus the dancing, jumping, and moshing throughout the whole night — Matt and Kim: Night One was one of the most energetic and riotous sets that I have ever experienced.
Almost Everyday is out now and their last stop on the tour is May 7 in Toronto. If you’re in the mood to forget your troubles and party the night away, catch the next Matt and Kim show near you. Here are some photos of Matt and Kim performing at 9:30 Club on May 2, 2018. All photos copyright and courtesy of Brenda Reyes.
