North Texas Daily

Remember back in 2008 when everyone suddenly discovered the premade beats provided on Garage Band? Matt & Kim seem to be catching on to that about 10 years late, making almost an entire album out of it.

This throwback trend of manufactured beats is prevalent almost immediately on “Almost Everyday” with the first track, titled “Intro,” serving as an accurate representation of what is to be expected throughout the album.

Following the piano-heavy, almost ominous introduction is “Forever” the first official single from the album. The duo isn’t reinventing their wheel here, though. In fact, “Forever” is not far off from the classic Matt & Kim sound we have come to know. Although it does lack the same infectious sound as the real-life couple’s earlier albums’ lead singles such as “Let’s Go” and “Daylight.”

Unfortunately, the album’s next track and second single “Like I Used to Be” follows that same path, even being slightly more lackluster than its predecessor.

The album does eventually find its high point on the fourth track, “I’d Rather.” Anchored by Kim Schifino’s ability to find the right balance of a hip-hop meets indie pop drum beat, the optimistic anthem is the closest thing you’ll find to the magic of Matt and Kim’s earlier discography.

My own optimism was quickly shot down after hearing the next track, however.

“Happy If You’re Happy” is without question my least favorite song on “Almost Everyday.” As it dragged through its mid-tempo beat, I couldn’t help but ignore the song’s out-of-place tone. Though I will say, with references to New York, the lyrics (in the most literal sense) act as a sort of love letter for the Brooklyn-based duo. This was especially fulfilling, because if you’ve ever been to a Matt & Kim show or even just watched one of their videos on social media, their warm dynamic is undeniable and often effortlessly translates to their music.

The second half of the album, although better than “Happy If You’re Happy” didn’t exactly leave me happy, either.  “On My Own,” “Glad I tried,” and “All In My Head” are all comfortably mediocre but still manage to get lost in the album’s slim 10-track listing.

All things considered, with a runtime of under half an hour, “Almost Everyday” is far from Matt & Kim’s best work and closer to feeling like they were given a deadline to produce an album they scraped together.

I’ve been a fan of Matt & Kim’s unique sound since the first time I stumbled upon “Grand” nearly a decade ago. Maybe I’m just being nostalgic, but with a discography I’ve been decently pleased with since making “Daylight” the soundtrack of so many of my mornings, “Almost Everyday” doesn’t do Matt & Kim any favors. And dare I say, “Almost Everyday” is possibly even their worst album.

My rating: 2.75/5

Featured image: Courtesy of Matt & Kim’s Facebook.