Tegan and Sara: "The Con"

How do you follow an album like "So Jealous," an album that not only helped solidify Tegan and Sara's place as one of the decade's most notable indie pop/rock acts, but also helped define their career? How do you follow the sheer, raw enjoyment that was found over every second of such a fantastic record? For the Quin sisters, the answer is "The Con," their newest and, in my opinion, best album.

On "The Con," Tegan and Sara show that they've matured a lot since their last outing, not only musically, but lyrically as well. Whereas "So Jealous" was largely a fast-paced rock album, this one is much more balanced. There are clearly songs that sound like classic Tegan and Sara, but at the same time there are also some beautifully composed and executed songs. Almost every track on the album features multiple layers of guitars and synthesizers. "Relief Next To Me" showcases this addition quite nicely, as does "Knife Going In" and the absolutely awesome title track. "Are You Ten Years Ago" forgoes the typical drum set for an electronic drum track, and the end result is a more effective song than it would've been otherwise.

It's clear that the Quin sisters wanted to make an album that branches out from their previous sounds and explores new territory. For any artist, it is always a tricky path to walk. However, Tegan and Sara have achieved their goal flawlessly. They no longer sound like little girls but women. Every second of "The Con" showcases their maturity as musicians and as lyricists, and I couldn't be happier.

"So Jealous" was always sort of a guilty pleasure for me. As a grown male, you better believe I faced some opposition from friends when I tried to show them Tegan and Sara. No longer. "The Con" is an album that I'm not only proud to own, but I'm trilled to say that it's one of the best, most surprising records to release in 2007. If you've ever been a Tegan and Sara fan, you absolutely have to check this one out!

Key Tracks:
1. "The Con"
2. "Hop A Plane"
3. "Soil, Soil"
4. "Burn Your Life Down"
5. "Like O, Like H"

8 out of 10 Stars