Much-loved Canadian sister duo, Tegan and Sara, are back with their seventh studio album, Heartthrob.
Having built a loyal fanbase over their 13-year career, the Quin twins are known for their indie-rock and electro-pop hits like “Walking With A Ghost” and “Where Does The Good Go,” but this album is set to change that reputation.
Laden with cheesy synths, simple structures and over-produced vocals, Heartthrob strays far from their previous work.
While this isn’t always necessarily a bad thing, many of the tracks on this record feel empty, uninspired and overtly commercial.
“Goodbye Goodbye” and “Drove Me Wild” are good examples of this, as is first single, “Closer”.
Heavy with drum machine distortion, dancey synth-pop riffs and a shouted chorus, it reads like ‘pop song 101’ and is reminiscent of former collaborator, David Guetta.
“I’m Not Your Hero” showcases some of Tegan And Sara’s former glory with (comparatively) stripped back verses and a catchy chorus where they tell you “I never walked the party line – doesn’t mean that I was never afraid.”
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Renowned for their heartstring-pulling breakup lyrics, “I Couldn’t Be Your Friend” juxtaposes that with an upbeat pop beat.
Opening with a Grizzly Bear-esque keyboard riff, Tegan asks “Does your heart ache when you get around me?” as the song builds into a breakup anthem of sorts. True to traditional form, their residual heartbreak scars are palpable.
Perhaps the best way to view this record is from fresh eyes that aren’t familiar with Tegan and Sara’s older work.
Despite its overall commercial and repetitive sound, there is no doubt that glimpses of greatness exist.
The sisters have taken a bold dive into the mainstream pop pool, but it may be too deep for them to climb back on to indie ground.
