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Good times on the White Stage with Matt & Kim
I admire peeps with a “do as I do” mentality as opposed to a “do as I say” mindset. During their fantastic Sunday afternoon showing on the White Stage, Matt & Kim definitely led by example. They wanted everyone to go nuts and have a great time, so the New York duo went all out during their 45-minute set in hopes that others would mimic their behavior. It worked.
Matt looked towards Kim at the beginning of the concert and asked, “Are you ready to get crazy,” to which she excitedly replied, “I’m fucking ready!” He then turned his attention to the audience, “Japan, are you ready to get crazy? Okay let’s go!” Kicking into “It’s a Fact (Printed Stained)” Matt lifted his leg high in the air and pumped his fist while playing keyboard and Kim was literally beaming as she banged away on her drums. They followed with a high energy version of “”Good Ol’ Fashion Nightmare” that resulted in mass dancing to the duo’s punked up indie rock. I was already pretty impressed by what I’d seen so far, but Matt had higher expectations, saying “That was just a warm up. It might be almost afternoon now, so if you got crazy before, let’s double it now.” A man of his words, he climbed half-way up the scaffolding of the White Stage to start a mass clap along. Returning to his keyboard, they launched into a cover of Alice DeeJay’s techno-pop anthem, “Better Off Alone,” with Kim jumping atop of her bass drum to shout along un-miced to the chorus.
Things only got better as the show progressed. Originally scheduled to perform three times at the fest, they landed up only performing twice as their appearance at Naeba Shokudo was cancelled. It’s a shame that show didn’t happen because after watching their awesomeness on The White Stage I’m certain that a gig on the super intimate Shokudo would have been epic.
Kim questioned Matt’s readiness prior to “Lessons Learned” earning her the God’s honest truth reply, “Kim, I was born ready.” There was much more dancing, great banter, all around fun, and a take of “The Final Countdown” as things progressed. Matt & Kim are easily the best show I’ve seen yet at FRF ’10.
Photo by 深野輝美
When did Bob Log play on Shokudo? I wish I could have seen the gals from Afrirampo there in ‘05. Think that would have been awwwwwwwwwwwwesome. Too bad they’ve broken up now.
i’m glad they didn’t play Naeba Shokudo cuz they do the same set every time! i am talking about their banter between songs is word for word. no spontaneity in this gang at all. and frankly, u gotta be out of your mind to see them 3 times in a row. i saw them at Gypsy Avalon and then it shocked me that they would do the same thing at White Stage. U gotta respect the Naeba Shokudo stage, some of the best performances have been here in years past such as Bob Log vs Tigerman, THe Inspector Cluzo, and this year, Rory Mcleod and Mustang.
My sister and I travelled 6 hours to see Matt &Kim and worth every second. We saw both shows and both times they came into the audience to meet fans. My sister got a kiss from Matt and we got picture with Kim. They are so wonderful. Their show was the very best- I love them so much.
I went to see them at Naeba Shokudo, and am glad they did not play – it was like small lake in front of stage. They were there though, greeting fans and explaining the problem with the water. It did not seem to be their fault. No matter, their White Stage show was the best one I saw the whole festival. Come back soon M&K. Japan love you.
For me, their cancellation of the Naeba Shokudo rates as the lamest thing in Fuji Rock history. Not only is it a really special stage, but they bloody well agreed to play it. Instead of making a handful of permanent fans, they’ve made themselves look like snooty cntus.
They were awesome on White, but think they would have been so much more fun on a smaller stage. Wish I could have seen then on Avalon or that they had of played Shokudo like they were supposed to!
I saw them play at the Avalon Stage on Saturday. I was stuck at the back but it was a great show.