Indie poppers Tennis are led by the husband/wife duo of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley. After meeting as philosophy students in Denver, the two went on an extended sailing trip along the East Coast and formed the band. Their debut album, Cape Dory, was a collection of home-recorded twee pop much indebted to Phil Spector and ’60s surf rock. Tennis apparently had no intention of shopping their songs around to labels until friends insisted they share their work. It ended up being sound advice, as Cape Dory made its way to numerous ears in 2011… with perhaaaps a bit of help from newfound label Fat Possum.
Tennis, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats,
Savoir Adore, ON AN ON,
Building on Buildings, Brandon Beebe
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
The Frequency
8 PM; $12/$15
Tennis toured the universe and soon found themselves in the studio to record a sophomore album. The result, Young & Old, wasn’t necessarily a stylistic departure from their debut, but it solidified their songwriting skill and presented a much crisper production. Fast-forward to 2013 and Tennis are back with a new EP, Small Sound. A sexier, more R&B-inflected affair than previous releases, Small Sound marks an interesting progression in their sound. Granted, it is Tennis and they still sound like Tennis — full of major key grooves and breezy vocals.
Tennis will play The Frequency tomorrow night as a part of Communion Madison. For fans of Cults or Best Coast or really anyone looking to boost their mood twofold, this is a must-see band.