Scene Says: High energy show featured fan-favorites amid requests for audience to dance, sing along more.
The Matt & Kim show last Friday brought all of the band’s trademark energy and charm to the District. Doors opened at 8 p.m. and a young crowd poured into the 9:30 club. A sold out show led to close quarters on the floor and barely any more space on the second tier. All around, the venue was full of energy.
A preview stream of Matt & Kim’s upcoming album “Sidewalks” gave fans a complete glimpse of what will be available for purchase today, Nov. 2.
Opener Donnis’ DJ took the stage early at 9:15, playing familiar tunes from popular artists. Walking out onto the stage in front of a black backdrop somewhat resembling a phantom silhouette, the Atlanta-based rapper sang to the rhythm of an intense light show that had some audience members cringing. The 45-minute set was able to pump up some of the audience while it seemed to annoy others who were expecting something similar to the Matt & Kim duo.
Audience members continued to fill the venue, and Matt & Kim took the stage around 10:30 p.m., accompanied by shrieks of joy from fans. The duo’s unrelenting energy got everyone into the spirit, adding to an audience that was already brimming with enthusiasm. Opening with “I Wanna” from their album “Grand,” Matt & Kim had fans dancing excitedly and singing along.
Band members Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino were able to convey their excitement and energy. Johnson jumped around as he played the keyboard, kicking his leg high in the air multiple times while Schifino would stand boldly in front of her drum set.
Their entire setlist proceeded with favorites like “Cinders,” “Cutdown,” “Light Speed” and “I’ll Take Us Home,” followed by a finale of the ever-popular “Daylight,” in which Johnson told the audience to shake out all their worries of the day.
Johnson asked for favors from the audience, mainly to dance and sing along. But one particular request that received a collective chuckle was when he asked for recommendations for Halloween duos. He shared that he and Schifino were Andy Warhol and Andy Samberg last year, and told everyone to let them know if they have any good ideas.
The show was a blur for the audience. Johnson tried to slow everything down with interjections where he would make casual conversation. Many laughs were shared, much fun was enjoyed, and the show’s energy continued throughout the night like a massive dance party.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
