Tegan & Sara charm audience at Tampa Theatre

Selling out even an intimate venue such as Tampa Theatre ought to confer rock star status on performers.

Tegan & Sara, though, despite packing a devoted crowd of 1,423 into the downtown Tampa landmark, came off as sweet, lovable nerds at Saturday night's concert.

Between-song banter, mostly by Tegan, concerned embarrassing childhood videos, failing to master surfing and the TV show, "My So-Called Life."

However, there was no hint of awkwardness when the twin Quin sisters and their three-piece backing band were slamming through the 20-plus songs that made up Saturday's set.

The pair specialize in brief, catchy pop-rock tunes with plenty of new wave overtones, particularly in Sara's high, reedy vocals, and the occasional splash of vintage synthesizer tones.

"Hell," "Walking With a Ghost" and "You Wouldn't Like Me," all performed Saturday night, are fantastic pop songs, and all benefited from the rough and raw energy of the live performance.

The Quins took the stage alone for the encore, beginning with "Back in Your Head" before beginning "Feel It in My Bones," their collaboration with Tiesto. They didn't make it far into the song before Tegan began laughing so hard they had to stop to give her a chance to compose herself.

Their band mates rejoined them for the final number, "Living Room."

Holly Miranda's set preceded Tegan & Sara's. It wouldn't do Miranda justice to compare her to other female singers, even if one might have caught a hint of Bjork or a passing resemblance to PJ Harvey. Miranda's music was haunting and enticing, and the previews of her new album, "The Magician's Private Library," out Feb. 23, made it a must-listen.

Miranda was joined by opening act Steel Train for her final number. The New Jersey quintet's own set was likeable but unspectacular indie rock that benefited greatly from the band's considerable charm and nervous energy.