Tegan and Sara haven’t been playing all of the cuts off of their upcoming (January 2013) album, Heartthrob, in their live shows, but the ones they have certainly hit the mark with their rabid fanbase.
Speaking with the twin Quin sisters Friday at the Austin City Limits music festival, it was estimated that approximately four songs from the highly-anticipated record get the live treatment at this point.
Their hour-long set at the Bud Light Stage was chock full with enough familiar tunes to keep the crowd cheering, dancing and screaming, “We love you!” all afternoon, but the taste of Heartthrob certainly leaves one in anticipation.
By now, many have heard “Closer,” the opening single off the record.
It was debuted at an intimate Warner Bros. Records summer concert and since been seen on Conan and heard on the radio.
Its synth-heavy vibe and catchy hook make it tough to get out of one’s head, but Tegan admits that it’s probably the danciest track off Heartthrobs.
Still, there are other fresh gems that pique the interest.
“I’m Not Your Hero” is one new standout that makes it impossible to stand still, another dalliance into 1980s-influenced pop.
Tegan and Sara also did not skimp on the well-known favorites, most-notably with the opening “Walking With a Ghost” and with “The Con” serving as a solid middle reliever.
The siblings, who seemed to be holding a different guitar with every song, delighted the audience with their stage banter.
Over the years, they’ve been known for telling anecdotes of their childhood, or even sharing their thoughts on politics.
Friday’s theme seemed to be the unrelenting heat, as they both regularly cautioned fans to apply sunscreen and hydrate.
“The last time we played a show that was this hot, Sara fainted,” Tegan said. “It was like my solo career dream.
“Just kidding,” she added with a laugh. “I wouldn’t want to have to do all the work.”
All jokes aside, there is a dynamic onstage that can only be described as family intuition – whether it is the way they bandy back and forth or how one is just as capable of taking the vocal or guitar lead as the other.
For a couple of sisters that began touring right after high school on the Greyhound bus line, the evolution of their sound hinted at with Heartthrobs coupled with their solid stable of fan-favorites shows just how far they have come over a 13-year career.
For more information, visit Tegan and Sara’s official website.