Album Review

Tegan and Sara – The Con

• 21st Feb 2008

Tegan and Sara are identical twins from across the pond. They have been on the circuit since 1999’s debut ‘under feet like ours’ and have got their feet firmly under the carpet with this their fifth album. However it’s your reviewers first introduction to the siblings.

On first listen it’s a sharp, breezy affair which uses an eclectic mix of styles – acoustic, electronic and indie. The production and arrangement of the album doesnt leave you much room to breath – in fact i felt strangled by the intensity of it and need to gasp for some much needed oxygen. I get the distinct impression they didnt need many takes to lay all the track down – These girls mean business!!

The influences are well worn and I can hear Alanis and Sinead throughout the 14 tracks. ‘Back in your head’ and ‘Nineteen’ lyrically are bittersweet and heartfelt – telling stories of breakup and relationship showdowns. “I just want you back in your head / I’m not unfaithful but I’ll stray” There have either been some emotional times or the Quin Twins are bloody good liars!!

All the songs do suffer from the claustrophic cramming of too many lyrics into each song – it’s like they want to get it all off their chests and batter us into word submission!

Overall it’s a broody album and struggles to lift it’s head from a very very dark parapit and certainly lacks edge musically to take them into the hearts of the british music public.