Tegan and Sara christened the birth of their 6th labor of love, Sainthood, at New York City’s historic Town Hall on October 30th and 31st, an event that Tegan confessed had been a dream of Sara’s since they began their career ten years ago. The twins played two sold out shows debuting the new album in its entirety on both nights as well as beloved fan favorites such as “The Con,” “I Bet It Stung,” “Knife Going In,” and “Where Does the Good Go,” among other classic T&S gems. Having been a certified fan of the girls upon seeing their show last year at Terminal Five in New York, I was anxious to relive the infectious way in which they engage with their audience and the awe-inspiring way the band beasts through a two-hour set with muscularity and prowess.
After losing yourself in the angsty wrench of “Nineteen,” it’s easy to resurface and doltishly think, She’s singing that to me, right? While revisiting the hits was definitely a priority, fans were feverish for a live peek at new tracks from Sainthood, screaming loudest for Sara’s slinky ode to 80s synth-pop, “Alligator.” The new material, which the girls recorded with a live band in the studio, translated seamlessly to the stage and proved the oft-overshadowed fact that T&S are a masterful live band.
In addition to the epic set list, the girls entertained adoring fans with their ever-endearing, self-deprecating, twin-teasing banter. Sara treated us to a ten minute monologue on Friday night, in response to Tegan’s taunting admission that “Sara has the asthma,” sharing her thoughts on Armageddon, survival of the fittest, and concluding with an offering of her body to Tegan for food and clothing should the end of the world, in fact, come. Sara says she’s not going to fight it if it happens. It’s just this kind of dark, antagonistic banter between the twins that their fans have come to cherish, that keeps them connected, and that sets them apart from other artists. In this sense, T&S are pioneers, “tweeting” from the stage before the Internet even existed.
Other highlights included a dedication on Halloween night to Sainthood producer Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie), who was in the audience Saturday and rumored to be dressed as “Kenny The Page” from 30 Rock as well as a gushing thank you from Tegan on behalf of both twins, for continuing to support the band after so many years, turning the raucous encore applause around on the fans, house lights up, urging us to applaud ourselves for a job well done. Despite a restless nod to unrequited love inherent in many T&S songs, the sentiment bouncing around in the theatre this weekend definitely found a welcome place to rest.
Tegan and Sara: website | myspace | interview with: Tegan pt. 1, pt. 2 | @ terminal 5 | Sainthood review
Written by Reni Papananias.
Photos by Dese’Rae L. Stage.
Pingback: Interview with Sara Quin @ Warner Music in NYC | popwreckoning