Album Review: Tegan and Sara

After the 2007 release of The Con, twin sisters Tegan and Sara found themselves on the cusp of a 10-year anniversary as a band, as well as the foreboding question, "What now?"
Luckily for fans, the sisters took to recording a new album after touring extensively in support of their latest and most raved effort. What they didn't expect was to find themselves experiencing something they had never done before as sisters or a band - writing together.

Although none of the songs written together made the final cut for this year's Sainthood, their sixth album proves that the Quin sisters are more like a fine wine - something that becomes better with age. It also seems that the exercise brought both sisters even closer with one another, as opening song "Arrow" seems to showcase both sisters over simple synthesizers and rhythmic drumming. It only takes two songs to realize that before, the two seemed to prefer solo performances; now, they seem to have found a collective voice that enhances both their ability to write an perform separate as well as together. In many ways, it almost seems that whatever infamous sibling rivalries and arguments have dissolved in the production of this album.
The synth and drum combo seems to prevail until the third track, where AFI bassist, Hunter Burgan's influence can be heard on "Hell". The song surfaces strong with guitar parts that sound more like they were written for Alkaline Trio and the song instantly picks the album up with a rhythm that will have you dancing and singing along in no time.
However, the clever use of timing on many songs seem to highlight the album at precisely the right moments. Drummer Johnny Andrews battles for the listener's attention in "On Directing" before providing the perfectly paralleled performance on "Night Watch" that focuses the song so well, it's hard to pull oneself away.
Still, one of the most fascinating parts of the album is not the unique vocals or technique, but the twins' brilliant infusion of their influences. On "Alligator", it is easy to find hints of Michael Jackson, while "Northshore" sounds like a more feminine, modern version of 1980's punk with the help of bassist Shaun Huberts and guitarist Ted Gowans.

Whether the two are writing about heartbreak ("The Cure"), falling in love ("Sentimental Tune") or a song that will most likely become an anthem for youth everywhere ("Someday"), they know how to write. Damn well.
Their honest vulnerability creates a world all on its own, creating a safe haven for those who are finding fear in the most humane ways. And for all of this, it is safe to say that Tegan and Sara have found a way to outshine themselves yet again, releasing their best album to date.


The two will tour Canada this month before traveling across the United States this spring. Sainthood is out now on Sire Records.


January
5 - Vancouver @ Orpheum Theatre
6 - Vancouver @ Orpheum Theatre
7 - Kelowna @ Community Theatre
8 - Calgary @ South Jubilee Auditorium
9 - Calgary @ South Jubilee Auditorium
11 - Edmonton @ North Jubilee Auditorium
12 - Edmonton @ North Jubilee Auditorium
13 - Saskatoon @ TCU Place
14 - Winnipeg @ The Burton Cummings Theatre
15 - Winnipeg @ Burton Cummings Theatre
18 - Montreal @ Place Des Arts
19 - Toronto @ Massey Hall
20 - Toronto @ The Kool Haus
22 - Ottawa @ The Bronson Centre
23 - Ottawa @ The Bronson Centre
25 - Quebec City @ Imperial De Quebec
26 - Fredericton @ The Playhouse
27 - Halifax @ The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

February12 - Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theater
13 - Boston, MA @ The Orpheum
16 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theater (Upper Darby)
17 - Washington, DC @ Warner Theater
18 - Richmond, VA @ The National
20 - Tampa, FL @ Tampa Theater
21 - Miami, FL @ Sunset Cove
23 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
24 - New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s
25 - Dallas, TX @ Palladium
26 - Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall
27 - Houston, TX @ The Warehouse

March
2 - Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
3 - San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall
5 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
24 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Orpheum
25 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside
26 - Chicago IL @ The Aragon
27 - Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Theater
28 - Cleveland, OH @ Lakewood Civic
30 - Columbus, OH @ Promo West Pavilion

April
2 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
3 - Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
4 - Denver, CO @ The Ogden
6 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
8 - Portland, OR @ Keller Auditorium