Image by Laura Leebove
Tegan and Sara share stories, emotions with New York crowd
May 12, 2008, at Terminal 5
By Rachel Surwit
Published: May 13th, 2008 | 8:15pm
Tegan and Sara Quin are a jackpot for twin studies. Countless interviews recount their uneasy relationship growing up — a symptom of the struggle for independence and originality in a genetically predetermined uphill battle. Both identical twins used music to stand out; however, their common faculty made them even more indistinguishable. They were both so talented. Competition ensued.
Thankfully, rather than compete, the Canadian sirens resigned to join forces to create one family band that makes it worth going to the reunion. Live at Terminal 5 in New York, it was obvious their partnership is ideal. The emotive show offered endearing insight into the sisters behind the momentous music and proved that they have little more in common than genetics and black straight-leg jeans.
Each girl introduced the songs they wrote with stories about their inspiration: their childhood as “partners in crime,” awkward early dating, life lessons, and comical ailments like Tegan’s droopy-eye ptosis that led her to self-examination (by taking endless pictures of herself making different faces) and a favorite song, the poignant, guitar-driven “Nineteen.” On stage, Tegan joked that, being an identical twin, she’ll embrace anything that will make her different (even a face deformity), but then realized “Sara would probably just get it too.” When Sara came out of the closet in her high school years, Tegan followed close behind.
Fans are drawn to the vulnerability in the duo’s lyrics and live act. One fan yelled, “You’re actually a real person,” as Tegan babbled about her self-conscious dating tendencies. Each genuine story was met with witty condescension from the other twin.
The set consisted of an excellent balance of recent songs and older gems like “Walking With A Ghost,” credited with much of their fame (The White Stripes covered it in 2005). Sara explained that she wrote the song to be included in a children’s album, only to be told that it was actually rather terrifying.
The title track from their 2007 release The Con (Vapor/Sire) was performed with screaming vocal croons as Tegan grasped at her throat, straining to belt the tune with all her lungs and heart. Similarly, the rest of the batch from their fifth album was filled with gorgeous sentiment felt in everyone's tear ducts. “Burn Your Life Down” sent Sara’s voice soaring with high swoons broken by an intensified staccato chorus. Tegan lent backup keyboard and shakers.
“Are You Ten Years Ago” showcased Tegan’s vocal skills. Her mouth moved faster than fans' eyes could follow as she annunciated every word with the rapid beat — her face red — before slowing down for the gorgeous chorus that did circles until the final sharp words “I collapse.” I’m surprised Tegan didn’t do just that. The real showcase for Tegan’s vocal ability was the unreleased “When I Get Up.” The audience fell silent as she went up and down the scale. Then ovation. She smirked.
Near the end of the show, the band gave a huge thank you to the audience, opener An Horse, and their crew. New York marked their last stop on the tour and there was nostalgia in the air. The incessant gratitude made it obvious the girls weren’t pursuing music to be fawned over. Their talent and dynamic brought them to the stage.
Then, just before busting a powerful rendition of “Back In Your Head,” they admitted they would later be “awkwardly walking off stage and then coming back for an encore.” Only Tegan and Sara could pull off that brand of honesty. And that is exactly why we love them.
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