In their new album Heartthrob, which premiered today, indie-rock duo Tegan and Sara try something new and a bit more mainstream. With a heavy electronic influence and a poppy vibe, the latest album is certainly a big step in a different direction.
The major distinction between Heartthrob and the group’s previous albums is the substantial use of electronic, almost techno-like elements. While it’s true their albums Sainthood from 2009 and So Jealous in 2004 did include some limited use of these techniques, the new album features only one acoustic track—“Love They Say,” which isn’t even a true acoustic endeavor.
As synth chords rise and swell in every song, the listener is instantly transported back to the ‘80s. These frantic pop beats heard all too frequently throughout Heartthrob make it feel as if Tegan and Sara are moving into the realm of generic radio hits rather than lovable folk rock.
As a whole, much of the album is upbeat in tempo but downbeat lyrically, with major themes being loss and deterioration. As usual, Tegan and Sara mourn broken relationships, unreturned fascinations and general disillusioned heartbreak. Yet, though the topics are the same, the lyrics are not as remarkable as they have been in the past.
Heartfelt lyrics such as “No I’m not aware of how / I could possibly love you / Without aching” from “This is Everything”—a stand out from the singers’ first album—are missing from their new release.
“Closer,” the only track released as a single and the album’s opener, sounds most like a Top 40 radio release—both in lyrics and in instrumentals. The song carries a repetitive melodic line, with deep bass in the background. Lyrically, “Closer” also lacks, with superficial lines such as “All I dream lately is how to get you underneath me.”
Ballads “I Was a Fool” and “Now I’m All Messed Up” present simple melodies and harmonies, with repetitive choruses. Both also emphasize ‘80s drum pad beats and, of course, plenty of electronic texture.
Tracks “Drove Me Wild,” “Goodbye, Goodbye,” “How Come You Don’t Want Me,” and “I Couldn’t Be Your Friend” each begin with some sort of synth hook and quickly transition into a fast-paced, fist-bumping anthem. Though probably great for dancing, these tracks are hard to distinguish from one another, and quickly seem to run together while listening to the album.
The track “I’m Not Your Hero” will remind fans stylistically, through consistent, rhythmic beat and angsty cadence, of the popular Tegan and Sara track “The Con” from the album of the same name. Even then, however, it’s a heavily popped-out version at best. In fact, a great deal of the tracks sound similar to each other, making for an album that’s slightly tiring to get through despite the fact that it only carries ten tracks.
Heartthrob’s one standout track would have to be “Shock to Your System,” which provides a relief from the monotony of upbeat pop rhythms. Though this track still contains hints of electronica, its got a much darker, refreshing sound. Yet, it’s still not the trademark Tegan and Sara that fans have loved in the past.
In all, Tegan and Sara should be commended for taking newer and bigger risks with Heartthrob, but in the end the album feels like a miss. Fans may find that instead of the heartfelt indie rock they’ve come to know and love, Tegan and Sara’s new album is chock full of monotonous techno pop. With repetitive melodic lines, an overabundance of electronic drivel and sorely lacking lyrics, Heartthrob is nothing special, and a bitter disappointment from Tegan and Sara.
