Peppy prog pop. This is Canadian twins Tegan and Sara Quin’s sixth album, with 13 upbeat tracks clocking in at less than 40 minutes. Produced by Death Cab For Cutie’s Chris Walla, their album shows maturity both in the musical style and the studio-polished sound of each track. Very radio friendly. You’ll want to play this if you enjoy real rock and can appreciate a catchy hook.
1) industrial synth sound mixed in with acoustic guitar and aggressive drums
2)* heavy guitar + drums; awesome hook/vocals 3) starts right in with aggressive guitar riff, picks up with upbeat drums 4) simple electric guitars + mysterious synth and drums 5)* funky synth and drums with acoustic guitar, clever transitions into chorus 6) upbeat pop drums, acoustic + electric guitars, harmonized vocals 7) punky electric guitar/drums with vocals layered uniquely over verses 8) slow track, very varied use of electric guitar and synths with changing drum patterns 9)* upbeat but still slightly ominous pop track, sounds like Madonna’s “Holiday” was given a prog rock makeover 10)* slow but catchy, sparse guitar – relies on layered vocals and funky drums for its success 11)*fast-paced drums, somewhat ethereal guitar riffs 12) poppy drums/guitar, very upbeat, harmonized vocals in chorus 13)*singing bordering on rapping, cool guitar riff bolstered by background bass/guitar, hip hop drums
Reviewed by Holly Fetter