I first heard about Tegan and Sara (T&S) from the controversial song by punk rock wacky pack, NOFX, titled Creeping Out Sara. Without detail, I have been a fan of the indie-pop Canadian duo ever since.
I fell in love with their past two albums, The Con (2007) and Sainthood (2009) which both saw a rich blend of coffeehouse guitar, synthesized backbeats and hopeful lyrics of loves gone lost.
With my lust for much of the same, I had set the dial to normal in anticipation for the Jan. 29 release of their new album, Heartthrob.
To my surprise, this collection is different right from the opening track, Closer. The synthetic buzz of modern pop music had me searching the album’s booklet thinking that surely Madonna had co-producer credits.
I was worried that the sisters had refilled their small town lattes with Starbucks house blend. At least on the surface, it certainly felt that way.
Although this album does have a more mainstream feel, the talent and timeless love lost lyrics remain unchanged.
The key tickling, downbeat track, I Was a Fool reflects the feelings of staying in a failed relationship. This song is a testament to the ability Tegan and Sara possess to pull the listener into the situations presented in the lyrics.
I have to admit, the upbeat synthpop feel of Drove Me Wild was almost too much for me as a fan, bias for the stone ground acoustics that made me respect T&S in the first place.
I also understand that these kinds of songs have their place and will surely help T&S bring their unique brand of twin magic to the mainstream masses.
If Top 40 music is not your cup of joe, Tegan and Sara take it back to the coffee shop with an acoustic/synth true love song in Love They Say.
Tegan and Sara have come a long way for two indie girls from Calgary; the Warner Bros. release of Heartthrob debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 charts.
The duo seem deserving to reap the benefits of mainstream success all the while leaving me confident they will not forget how they got there in the first place.
BOTTOM LINE: If you enjoy a latte with your studies, Tegan and Sara’s Heartthrob should soundtrack perfectly.
