MATT AND KIM

Sidewalks

[Fader]

There’s a “grab the world by the tail” message tucked into the third full-length effort from the Brooklyn duo Matt and Kim. Singer Matt Johnson is so busy painting the town that he claims not to have time to stop and photograph any of it. But that fearless adventurousness isn’t transferred to the sound of the new songs. Other than the startlingly bare “Northeast,” this is nearly the same keyboard-driven, unapologetically geeky dance-pop that was available on last year’s Grand. What’s missing, though, is an anthem like that record’s “Daylight,” something to make the kid with the big glasses and unfashionable shoes feel like he can take on anyone and anything. No doubt, he’ll chant along with the “Oh, eh! Oh, eh!” chorus of “AM/FM Sound” at one of the band’s concerts, but it won’t compare to the rush of self-confidence he gets by simply staying home and watching Glee. –DS