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If an artist’s success was measured solely by whether they headline at St Kilda’s historic and iconic venue the Palais Theatre , then Tegan and Sara must be doing extremely well for themselves. Here to promote their latest release Heartthrob , which is a departure from their indie beginnings and a foray into more mainstream, electronic dance pop, the Palais is packed to the rafters.
Pink strobe lights, flashing in time with the drum beat signal Tegan & Sara’s arrival on stage, to loud cheers and claps. Opening with synthesiser laden “Drove Me Wild” off their latest album, the volume is turned up so high, that the sound reverberates as far as the far corners of the dress circle. The twins are supported by a talented bevy of musicians; Ted Gowans on guitar, Aussie Jasper Leak on bass, John Spence on keys and Adam Christgou on drums.
A few songs in and it’s clear that Tegan is the more talkative of the two sisters. “You want to stand up maybe?” asks Tegan. “The bigger the response to new songs, the more old songs we play. We’re quite whorish- You’ve gotta play to our egos.” True to her word, the fourth song is old favourite “Back In Your Head and ees the entire Palais audience upstanding and singing along.
“Living Room” imbued with country twang, and acoustic guitar, is a comforting departure from the more mainstream material. Tegan even tells reviewers what to write, with an apology,” They told us to stand up and then they wouldn’t shut up.” Tegan needn’t worry, because her witty repartee makes the cavernous, imposing theatre a lot more intimate, and it is as though she is talking directly to each and every audience member. Older number “Where Does The Good Go?” features some exquisite harmonies, and although the newer songs are well received, it’s clear from the audience’s reaction that the older songs are the ones the majority want to hear.
“Alligator” and “Walking With A Ghost” are standout tracks in a mammoth set, and if that isn’t enough to sate the older fans at the encore, Tegan and Sara, minus the band, launch into acoustic versions of “Call It Off” and “Nineteen” and then they set the bar even higher by playing a medley of tunes that take their fans on a sentimental journey. “This is our attempt to make everyone happy, if you’re not happy already, and if not, get fucked”, warns Tegan and then launch into a medley of old material as follows; “My Number/Monday, Monday, Monday/Iknow, I know, I know/You Wouldn’t Like Me/We Didn’t Do It/Superstar/I Was Married/ On Directing/Sentimental Tune.” They end their stellar set with Dutch trance artist Tiesto’s hit “Feel It In My Bones”.
Tegan and Sara are seasoned, humble, professional performers who brought the house down on a chilly Thursday night in St Kilda and adapted their repertoire to keep the old and new fans satisfied.
