the Dynamic Duo of Tegan & Sara

Following the success of their 2004 hit album, So Jealous, Canadian twin singer-songwriters Tegan & Sara are back with their fifth album, The Con. For production of this latest record, the sisters teamed up with Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie), whose influence is evident with the captivating choruses and haunting instrumental transitions found throughout so many of the tracks. In addition, with many keyboard-leading riffs and poppy hooks, there is a definite New Wave/punk/1980's feel to this latest album reminiscent to that of The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie.

For those of you not familiar with the pair, born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada just 26 years ago, these twin songstresses found a guitar at the age of 15 and simply began to make music. After small tours throughout Canada, the impressive duo toured the US with Neil Young (whose label they're on) which led to bigger tours in Canada (and even Europe and Asia) with artists such as Rufus Wainwright and Melissa Ferrick. After more work in the studio and more gigs at small clubs in the US, Tegan & Sara recorded their hit 2004 album So Jealous and got nominated for a Juno, the Canadian-equivalent of a Grammy. The pair then toured all over the US with The Killers before meeting up with Walla to record this, their newest album, in January of this year.

With good beats and good lyrics, the tracks are catchy and memorable—I found myself still humming along after the CD finished, without yet knowing the words, just the vague outline of the melody. The words and implications are subtle remarks on love and loss, likely based upon quiet and sharp observations of life.

My favorite track on the album is Nineteen (listen to it on the girls' MySpace page), an attractive tune with intoxicating harmonies that make you turn up the volume loud enough so that you can try to blend in with the chorus. The song has just the right amount of angst and edge that every pop song needs to make you want to rock out when no one’s watching.

stream Tegan & Sara - Back In Your Head : The Con (watch the video for the song)

from the deluxe DVD version, check out the video chapter on Hop A Plane

and a couple of older ones:

Tegan & Sara - I Know I Know I Know : So Jealous

Tegan & Sara - You Went Away : If It Was You

Visit their website, their label Vapor Records, and become their friend on MySpace.