The Observer, October 19, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 8
Tegan and Sara reveal more mature, full sound
After four successful albums and an acclaimed reputation in the indie scene, singer songwriter duo Tegan and Sara followed up their 2004 success with a newer sound in The Con. A collaborative effort with Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, The Con is hard evidence that the twins have grown up. This new album has a distinctly mature sound and is a wonderful reflection of the pair's growth as musicians. The end result is a melodious conglomerate of pieces written by each of the two sisters. They take more liberties with stylistic elements and rhythmic structures, resulting in a fuller sound with each sister's unique style giving character to each song.
"They wanted something that was a little bit grittier," said producer Chris Walla in October. Tegan and Sara have certainly accomplished the desired coarse effect in The Con. Starting with "Relief Next to Me" and sprinkled throughout the album are stretches of edginess that are not entirely expected. After all, this is the duo that won hearts after being featured on popular shows such as Grey's Anatomy and Veronica Mars. Other tracks seem to channel influences from the band's past tour partners. "Are You Ten Years Ago" is oddly reminiscent of Cake's signature style with its indie-rap feel. The album's title track utilizes an underlying synthesizer theme that draws upon traces of The Killers and Hot Hot Heat. Still, the title song and the edgier tracks are addictive enough to keep listeners hungrily playing each song over and over.
Despite the coarser sound, Tegan and Sara's original pop-like soundtrack hits still make an appearance on this album. After the edginess of the first part of the album, the upbeat, lighthearted sounds of "Back in Your Head" and "Hop a Plane" come as a welcome change. While the songs themselves are not entirely cheerful, the fact that a group with such a raw sound can put out catchy and pop-like tunes is heartwarming. There is still hope for the dynamic duo to emphasize our favorite melodramatic moments of Grey's Anatomy.
While The Con is a well-developed album, it is an acquired taste. The new album, with its melancholy overtones, is not nearly as catchy on first listen as its predecessor. The Con was initially released to enthusiastic audiences and came out 38th on the Billboard Top 200, but fell past the Top 50 within the first two weeks after release. The fact is, despite the album's sophistication, or perhaps because of it, The Con is not instantly gratifying. However, for the avid listener, the risks and layers within each song give the album more substance than the more pop-like tunes of older Tegan and Sara tracks. After swallowing and digestion, The Con makes for a truly satisfying work of music.
