Tegan and Sara

A band whose personal lives have often overshadowed their music, Tegan and Sara grace the halls of the HMV Picture House for the first time tonight. Often forgotten in the indie pop-rock scene in the UK and fetchingly described by NME as “twin airbags”, Tegan and Sara are the relatively unknown duo who, for whatever reason, have not acquired the success they have reached in their Canadian homeland and the US. This despite huge accolades for their past two albums, and their newest, Sainthood, receiving praise all round for its synthy vocals, strumming melodies and tales of heartbreak.

Playing to a crowd of shirt-clad, shorthaired young 'uns, a small yet avid fanbase are not left disappointed; revelling in the duo’s mix of pop hits and more recent tracks from Sainthood. Launching straight into a convulsive version of 'The Con', it's clear that the crowd are up for a good night. Amongst the gigantesque bras being thrown onto the stage, a a self-described 'Pink Floyd' moment occurs as Tegan Quinn calls for time out during 'Northshore', as a rowdy 30-something is ushered from the front row by security. Also amongst the revellers is a young fella who insists on vocalising his innermost desires and not-so-prophetic thoughts at the opening chord of each song, prompting the pair to dedicate the track 'Alligator' to him if he piped down.

Tegan and Sara’s onstage banter is known throughout their shows, with tales of their 15-year old selves and mosh pits at gigs. These girls know how to play to their audience, who hang onto every word of being “bruised, bashed and burning out”. The note-perfect 'Nineteen' seems to strike a chord with all, while newer tracks such as 'On Directing' seem to hold particular sway with the band themselves, and Tegan in particular, who howls into the microphone with a wolfish voraciousness.

The pair, dressed in black and looking identical but for their differing haircuts, defy their lack of status on this side of the Atlantic to showcase the talent that they undoubtedly have. Their live show is knowledgeable of this fact; they seem fairly humbled at playing to a smaller audience than usual. Nevertheless, they still put on a show which leaves even their most fervent devotees rather surprised at quite how good they are.