Released: Jan 29, 2013
Genre: Indie Rock, Synthpop, Indie Pop
Label: Sire
Number Of Tracks: 10
"Heartthrob" is just another classic sounding record from Tegan and Sara.
HeartthrobFeatured review by: UG Team, on january 30, 2013 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Tegan and Sara are a world renowned indie rock and new wave band who first emerged from the Canadian underground back in 2000, with their debut album "Under Feet Like Ours" grabbing the ears of the world by storm. Although it isn't best to judge a book by it's cover, you definitely get a good impression with this band, as it proudly features identical twin sisters and band's namesake Tegan and Sara Quin, who both man keyboards, guitars and vocals, which you don't often find in your typical Canadian alternative rock band. The perfectly aligned layers of unique guitar work and definitive vocal harmonies quickly made this band stand out, and made such songs as "Walking With A Ghost" and "Back In Your Head" climb the charts and even earn them a spot in several films and television episodes.
3 years after their latest studio album, Sainthood, Tegan and Sara are more than ready to announce their return to the music world with their new studio album, "Heartthrob". Right off the bat, this band seems to be stronger than ever, with the opening track "Closer" showcasing all of the proud qualities that made the band's earlier releases such broad hits. 80's style synthesizer work, soaring vocals, and complementary headhaunting power chords all flow perfectly together, with not one instrument necessarily standing out from another and helping contribute to an enjoyable listening experience. Most powerfully resembling the synthpop musical style of Alphaville, it's definitely a great way to kick off the album, as well as give a hint at what else is in store. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Lead vocalists Tegan and Sara Quin don't have the most standout female voices out there in alternative rock, but that's not what their music is so well known for. They are known for their high octave, bright sounding vocal ranges, which complement the synthesizer soaked tunes spread throughout this new record perfectly. Some of the best examples of their vocal work off of the new disc include the lead single "Closer", "Drove Me Wild", and "Love They Say". // 9
Impression: For the most part, "Heartthrob" is just another classic sounding record from Tegan and Sara. They've maintained the same style of sound as their previous releases, and haven't done too much experimenting throughout the past few years, which should help contribute an enjoyably familiar feel to established fans of the band's earlier releases. The entire album is incredibly solid, and any fan of 80's radio friendly pop rock should definitely give this new album a listen.
It's.....disappointing, I'd say. After following the magnificent The Con with the stellar Sainthood, I was actually really excited for this " '80's "-influenced album.
However, most of the songs here just don't hit anywhere near as emotionally as their others, and even some of the hooks aren't so great.
After a few listens, most of the tracks have grown on me at least a little bit more. My favorite tracks are certainly "I'm Not Your Hero" and "Goodbye, Goodbye", and my least favorites are probably "I Couldn't Be Your Friend" and "Now I'm All Messed Up".
If the two pretty good bonus tracks "Guilty as Charged" and "I Run Empty" could have replaced "I Couldn't Be Your Friend" and "Now I'm All Messed Up", it would have made the album seem stronger as a whole to me.
Overall: Still good - and very good in some spots - but certainly less....powerful or moving than their last few albums. Worth listening!!
I'd give it a 3.5/5, or 7/10.
