Tegan & Sara tackle “Sainthood”
The duo’s latest release takes on love with their brand of hardcore vulnerability.
Tegan and Sara
Sainthood
Released on Oct 27, 2009
While no one should classify
Tegan & Sara as a one-note band, they’ve certainly got an identifiable
style of close harmonies and exposed lyrics. Thankfully, they’ve got
that streak of experimentation that ensures their sound will always
be in a state of evolution. On their sixth release, Sainthood,
their sound takes a turn for the aggressive end of the spectrum.
This comes through especially
on tracks like “Don’t Rush,” and the first single off the album,
“Hell.” Warning: you won’t stop listening to “Hell” for at
least three days straight. The guitars are, to cop a phrase from Miss
Tyra Banks, fierce, and you can’t help but identify with the chorus
of “I know you feel it too, these words get overused, when we get
up and over it and over them.” There’s an intensity to these lyrics
that seem to be missing in The Con, and it’s a welcome addition.
Honestly, “Northshore”
doesn’t even sound all that much like a Tegan & Sara song—the
rushed vocals throughout the song, and the drums and electric guitar
would sound much more at home on some pop-punk album. However, partly
due to their unique voices, the song is saved from veering into entirely
unrecognizable territory. And it doesn’t hurt that the song will make
you want to shake everything your mother gave you.
While “The Ocean” is another
rather sped-up track, it still comes through as a beautiful song because
of their heartfelt lyrics. They’re straightforward without being sappy—“So,
it’s been so long since you said, ‘well I know what I want, what
I want is right here with you.’” If anyone has to deliver news to
me of insecurity in a relationship and potential heartbreak, I want
Tegan & Sara to serenade me after the revelation.
That being said, I find myself
being disappointed when they sound like their slipping back into their
older sound, like on the tracks “Sentimental Tune” and “Red Belt.”
There’s nothing offensive about these songs, but after I’ve experienced
hardcore, danceable Tegan & Sara, I don’t really want to settle
for restrained instrumentation. “On Directing” seems to be the best
example of a true juxtaposition of their sound off The Con and their
new style in Sainthood. And of course, I’ve got one last lyrics for
you. What would a Tegan & Sara review be without sound bytes? “Go
steady with me, I know it turns you off when I, I get talkin’ like
a teen.” Yes, T & S. To the point, and almost uncomfortably relatable.
High Point
Their new foray into more intense musical arrangements. Because of “Speak Slow,” I always thought they had a more aggressive, dance-y side to them, and I’m glad to report that they’ve pursued it on this disc.
Low Point
The slight bit of regression that’s apparent on tracks like “Sentimental Tune.” Again, it’s not something that ruins the album, it’s just an odd throwback to have on an otherwise personally progressive album.
Posted by Alyssa Vincent on Oct 27, 2009 @ 6:30 am
