Editorial Rating: 3 out of 5
Though their Wilson Phillips–meets-a-ha aesthetic seems
ready-made for the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack, Canadian
sister duo Tegan and Sara continue to surprise on Sainthood,
their sixth full-length studio record. Producer Chris Walla
(Death Cab For Cutie) fleshes out their girl-on-girl crushing
with a bigger sound than their 2004 breakthrough So Jealous,
simplifying the ornamental touches of 2007’s The Con to
make room for electronic, radio-friendly flair.
“Hell,” a murky, bass-driven dirge that makes the
most of the sisters’ eerie harmonies, is the obvious
single, while the requisite oddball instrumental is the
Tropicalia-influenced “Alligator.” As for lyrics you
can plug into an angsty blog post, it doesn’t get anymore
tormented than the possessive “On Directing,” in
which the sisters yearn for a stand-in for love. Feeling 16 feels
alright.