After two-plus years of virtually nonstop touring behind their lauded self-titled 2006 debut, Brooklyn’s über-smiley synth-punk duo Matt & Kim – long-time lovebirds Matt Johnson (vocals/keyboards) and Kim Schifino (vocals/drums) – return with a new disc, Grand. Though in spots it’s just as spiky and euphoric as their previous offering, the new disc overall isn’t quite as raw and spontaneous; the production is thicker, there’s a decidedly New Wave slant to their melodies and synth lines (it’s very Cure-like), and both the lyrics and the pair’s vocal deliveries seem a touch more somber at times. It’s by no means a disappointment or a downer, but maybe this is just the sound of a sound growing up. That said, I fully expect Matt & Kim’s live show to be the ecstatic, sweaty, dance-happy smile-fest we’ve come to know and love.

Thu., Jan. 29, 8 p.m., 2009