By now the news has swept campus that the Fairfield University Student Association’s Fall Concert will be co-headlined by Matt and Kim and The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards. While many have expressed their opinions about the choice, there are many who have not heard of the two musical acts, and thus are hesitant about purchasing tickets.
The show is set to take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 during Alumni and Family Weekend at the newly-built Rafferty Stadium. While an afternoon show is a deviation from the norm, the event aims to attract a larger, more varied crowd due to the surrounding festivities.
Musically, the show is diverse in that the music of the R&B staples will meet the sonic sounds of the dominating indie pop duo. While daunting in scope, the idea is ingenious in itself as FUSA attempts to tackle two generations of music connoisseurs.
As to why FUSA would pick two seemingly opposite bands is up for debate, but one can assume that both are considered rhythmically enticing for their respective audiences and thus a surefire hit for both generations during Alumni and Family Weekend.
For those who consider themselves as the unknowing populace, this music preview is your official source for what I envision will be one of the best Fall Concerts in Fairfield’s history.
The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
The music of The Temptations has come to define the American motown culture of the 1960s with hits such as “My Girl and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Their songs are known throughout the world and span generations of listeners.
While the group still performs with only Otis Williams remaining from the original lineup, The Temptations Review has become the quintessential cover band as they preserve the meticulous edge of the original troupe. The Review also features Dennis Edwards, an original “Temptation” from the period of 1968 to 1989.
The band also features notable singers including David Sea, Mike Pattillo, Chris Arnold and Paul Williams Jr., son of the original “Temptation” Paul Williams Sr. Together, their style exudes the same swagger that captured audiences around the world during the 1960s.
Alternative rock duos have emerged as one of the more successful musical formulas in recent memory, whether it be Beach House or The Black Keys. As this style slowly fades into the clique, Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino destroy all preconceived notions with an enigmatic, tour de force swank that makes you wonder how two people can possibly make a sound that big.
These two musicians pair DIY with only a keyboard and drumkit, resulting in some of the rhythmic indie pop in the market. While relatively new in comparison to The Temptations Review (forming in 2004), the duo boasts a small but comprehensive catalogue that blends the sounds of contemporary pop with electronic bliss.
To understand their full potential, take a listen to their 2012 creation, “Lightning,” which contains pieces like the catchy, summer-drenched “It’s Alright” and the the almost pop-punk sounding “Much Too Late.” The duo also released their new album in April titled “Hey Now,” which is a necessary innovative step for the sonic architecture of the band.
Whether you’re a full-fledged fan or a casual listener, Matt and Kim have the backbone to create some of the catchiest pieces that reflect their humble beginnings in the streets of Brooklyn. While the show is still more than a month away, take in as much of this band as possible and then desensitize yourself for an otherworldly experience.
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