Sainthood (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Tegan and Sara form a powerful pop-rock duo who are just as likely to challenge their sound with jagged punctuating instrumentation as they are to give into the seductive sway of their best melodies. 2009’s Sainthood again pairs the Canadian duo with producer Chris Walla. But unlike their combination on The Con, where the twin sisters veered ever closer to mature adult-contemporary terrain, Sainthood sends them into the fast, frenetic world of electrified rock for their most excited, full-stereo-rific album to date. The abrasive edge of “Arrow” gives way to the high-speed chase pop of “Hell,” the punkish rake of “Northshore” and the spacey new- wave synth-drop of “Night Watch.” The sisters’ great mix of tempos and styles, spanning from the late-‘70s to modern-day, lead to timeless chaos. The robotic beats of “Alligator,” the spastic slink of “Paperback Head,” the teen ramble of “On Directing,” and the speedfreak chants of “The Ocean” make for an album of vibrant pop.