More electronic and industrial than So Jealous and The Con, Sainthood is the proud sixth album of Tegan and Sara. The twins do a decent job exploring a side of their music most would probably not have expected them to succeed at, being an indie pop rock alternative group. But the girls have shown fans a very interesting new twist of their sound that still maintains their original musical personality, which is really what most fans desire in new albums.
Their lyrics have remained similar to previous albums, using repetition, the infamous "pronoun change," and ambiguous meanings/situations but specific metaphors. The chorus of the first song, for example, goes, "I feel the breeze, feel feathers of an arrow. / Out in my yard, feathers of an arrow. / I take my aim, do you feel me coming close? / I take my aim, so you feel me coming close." The songs are also about the same length as in previous albums (between 2 and 4 minutes), which enables them an effective density to their music and ensures they will not overkill a melody.
The most unique and beautiful aspect of Tegan & Sara music has always been the blend of steady but strained voice (showing their proximity to tears but with a rough feminine edge) with the equally strained guitar, and Sainthood's case, gritty electronics.
Fast Album Walk-Through
"Arrow," the first song, has an almost-grunge electric pump that paves the way for a smooth chorus. The next song starts similarly and is less strong, but plays with word syllables. "Hell" has the most driving introduction of any of the songs, with a minor chord progression and a driving lead guitar. The chorus is less melodically pleasing, but it is followed by the same exciting progression.
Light and vulnerable "On Directing" is powered mostly by the voice, with the music decorating. "Red belt" is quite similar in sound, but slower, and the music is more spotted. "The Cure" is a lot more like "Hell" in its chord progression and drive, but it is smoother and the chorus feels more like an extension or variation of the verse, making the song feel very connected.
"Northshore" is slightly reminiscent of "Are You Ten Years Ago," where the vocals go outside the boundaries of the musical rhythm. But unlike the song from The Con, the vocals pull the song forward instead of backward, keeping the energy up. "Night Watch" is cutting, creative, and fun, with a bouncy chorus.
Next is "Alligator Tears," which uses high piano chords for a light setting and fills the space in between with synth. "Paperback Head" has an enjoyable build that is not easily remembered, and a memorable chorus that is less complex. "The Ocean" is quite fast, like "Speak Slow," and maintains a consistent chord structure so that the voices are once again carrying the melody. "Sentimental Tune" is similar, but the melody of the voices is not as varied.
The buzzed synth and extra young voices in "Someday" makes the song more stereotypically indie than the rest of the album's songs, adding a bit of variety to the album. The song is a great closer--reflective and hopeful with a matching pace.
Sainthood is a definite success for the band; fans must add this album to their collection.
Elisabeth Sharber - Elisabeth Sharber is a Messiah College graduate with a BA in English, and minors in politics and psychology. She is currently job ...
