Tegan & Sara • Hell Hath No Fury
One of my most eagerly awaited albums of 2009 is almost here; Tegan and Sara’s Sainthood.
Their sixth studio album isn’t looking to disappoint, with promises of a darker, richer, more intense sound. T&S have done a great job evolving their sound between each album to date; creating something fresh for their fans, without alienating new potentials. Many were surprised with 2007’s release The Con, which showcased a rockier edge to Tegan and Sara’s indie/pop foundations. But with Sainthood, it seems that rocky edge just got a little harder.
The first peek given was at Canada’s Rifflandia festival in September where the duo performed SIX new songs from the upcoming LP. However, I have - so far - resisted the temptation to watch the live YouTube videos, preferring to hear the songs in high quality format, in the order they were intended. Call me old fashioned, but to me an anticipated album is like a Xmas present - it shouldn’t be opened ’til Christmas Day.
Hard at work making inkblots to go with the (now sold out) deluxe album & book bundle
That said, when I saw they were streaming new single ‘Hell’ on their website - in high quality glory - I just couldn’t resist having a listen! Being a ‘Tegan’ track, I wasn’t surprised to find a straight up indie/rock song. Quick intro, with the most delicious guitar riff, solid bass and pounding drums, which carries right the way through.
The wall of sound on ‘Hell’, however, becomes a little swamping. By the end, I just really want her vocals to burst into a screaming punk/rock frenzy to match the music… but that never happens. Her vocals towards the end seem a little jaded and the middle verses’ lyrics are somewhat flat. Who wants to hear her singing about garbage disposal? I thought this album was meant to be about the trials and tribulations of LOVE?? Saying that, the chorus is damn catchy and with some luck, might even get the gays dancing at their gigs! (I seriously can’t be the only one who enjoys a good mosh?)
♫ Tegan & Sara - Hell (for a better version, check out the stream on their website)
Over the last couple of years, Tegan has done a fair bit of work with musician-mates including Against Me!, Alkaline Trio and Hunter Burgan from AFI; all known for their harder sound. I think all this collaboration has rubbed off, with Tegan & Sara taking a sharper swerve in the alt-rock direction. ‘Hell’ shows a confident start to what looks more and more likely to be a great album and the second of theirs to be produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie. (To be honest, I’m just glad ‘Hell’ is upbeat, so I can play it in clubs! Plus it kinda makes up for the fact that I still think ‘Nineteen’ from The Con should’ve been released.)
Sainthood is out October 27th. I have my hard-copy pre-ordered along with their accompanying book trio ON/IN/AT which will only be available during pre-order or at 2010 gigs - stock permitting. You can pre-order yourself a saintly bundle from their store for a holy £63 / $80CA, or pre-order a digital copy from the iTunes store - country permitting - along with 3 bonus tracks; ‘Wrists’, ‘Light Up’ and ‘It Was Midnight’.
UK tour dates:
Nov 13th / O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire / London
Nov 14th / Academy 2 / Manchester
Nov 15th / Picture House / Edinburgh
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