Tag Team/Onion AV Club Party

Emo’s, Thursday, March 15

Almost as entertaining as Matt & Kim‘s music was their between-song banter. As way of introduction, Matt (Johnson) declared, “The last time I played here was the drunkest I’ve ever been. I’m taking it easier these days, or maybe it’s just noon!” The drums/keys duo was all grins and fists in the air as they spastically spout out tunes from their IHeartComix self-titled debut. In their carefree fury, Matt’s glasses continually flew into the crowd while Kim (Shifino) eventually had to tape her shirt to keep it up, proclaiming as she did so, “Don’t worry, my boobs look like a 12-year-old boy’s.” As the group burst into “Yea Yeah,” which should be the 2007 drunken-day-show anthem, Matt apologized with a wide grin: “I know it’s a little early to deal with us.” If so, Emo’s inside offered the stunning Kaki King by way of contrast. Working librarian chic and her half-Texan heritage, King’s set of haunting lap steel wavered gorgeously between classical skill and looped effects evoking an ethereal West Texas expansiveness.

This article appears in March 16 • 2007.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.