Duo plays Peter Clark Hall in support of new album

Being one of their only sold out shows on their current tour, Tegan and Sara played to a welcoming crowd at University of Guelph’s Peter Clark Hall on Feb. 23. In support of their new album Heartthrob, Tegan and Sara depart from their established indie roots and embark into the domain of synthesizers and drum machines analogous to the synth-pop era of the 1980s. The result is an adrenalized live show glittered with vibrant scintillating LED lights and pulsing dance rhythms, which was more than a perfect excuse for all us students to let loose and have a bit of fun.

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While dedicating a large portion of their repertoire to new material, they included an obliging allocation of previous fan favourites allowing anyone to satisfy their desire either to rock out or dance away. Classics like “Call It Off” were mixed seamlessly with new dance hits like “Goodbye, Goodbye,” both being performed with avidity from the band. Tegan and Sara fully engaged with the audience, throwing various quirky remarks throughout the concert. This was perhaps best exemplified when they diverted from the set for a full five-minute discussion with the crowd regarding their previous adventures in Guelph, including attending an after-party in the city after they were invited by “some dudes in skirts.”  The audience was warmly receptive throughout the evening, cultivating in the performance of the new single “Closer” as the entire crowd promptly transformed the room into a dance floor.

Incorporating a full backing band, Tegan and Sara played all songs expertly with little or no dissonance evident at all. The songs did not divert or elaborate from their recorded counterparts, but this is not essentially required as these songs simply sound great being performed live.  Perhaps the most distinct moment of the night came in the encore as they jammed with a single acoustic guitar through multiple segments of several songs all in the timespan of a single song; a noteworthy and unique addition. There were a couple of unashamed and inevitable sales pitches thrown in for their new album, but this could be tolerated as they were poking fun of themselves for doing so.

If you’re seeking good modern Canadian indie synth-pop, look no further. These folks are fun.

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