Tegan and Sara Quin are probably two of the most important voices in music today, since they’re simultaneously repping three misunderstood demographics: gay people, indie kids, and Canadians. Now they shed the indie threads, get dressed up, and step out on the dance floor with their seventh offering “Heartthrob.”  

It’s not a drastic step, since the sisters have been building up to it over the years through guest spots for high profile DJ’s like Tiësto, David Guetta, and frequent collaborator Morgan Page.  

In fact, DJ pair Sultan and Ned Shepard have a writing credit on the track “Drove Me Wild”. But Heartthrob’s sound owes more to Eighties synth-pop than today’s dance music, with the chorus of lead off cut “Closer” vaguely resembling Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical.”  

The leap pays off in spades, as this is a great record, especially with gems like “I Was A Fool”, which kicks off with a gorgeous piano melody, “Love They Say”, my personal favorite, and “How Come You Don’t Want Me”, where you can practically hear the frustrated heart break in their voices.  

Indie purists may choke on the ridiculously catchy music, but hopefully the strong songwriting brings them back around. Combined with the signature fraternal vocal melodies, this should win Tegan and Sara many more new fans.