♫ Matt and Kim | A

After the tremendous commercial success of their album Grand, the Brooklyn-based synthpop duo Matt & Kim have released their third effort Sidewalks with more optimism than ever. This nerdy, but extremely fun masterpiece has taken Matt & Kim to a completely different level. Although they're on their way to a more mainstream style, they haven't stopped finding new inspirations for their music. Searching for a "more universal sound," the pair's genre-less vibe works wonders throughout the 10-track album. Still never passing the four-minute mark, Matt & Kim's Sidewalks is a new collection of intelligent dance music that evokes a lighthearted mood.

Matt & Kim broaden their sound, making their album instantly enjoyable. While still preserving their spunk, they were able to clean up, sharpen and develop their new album. For some bands, such a change takes away from their music's mass appeal, but for Matt & Kim, the addition of some new instruments and layers of synth just complements their simplistic lyrics. "Cameras," their released single off of Sidewalks, the tuba and thunderous percussion only intensifies their folk lyrics; "No time for cameras, we'll use our eyes as lens."

Because there is a wide range of genres that influence their sound, Sidewalks is an explosion of energy that you can't stop tapping your foot to. Matt's nasally and spread voice that sings, "I hear that shoestrings tend to break/But they tie back together great," in the track, "Where You're Coming From," is inspirational, but flirts with being slightly sappy. Their catchy hooks and upbeat percussion, along with their simplistic message to live life now and to take life as it comes, instantly can brighten up anyone's day.