Husband and wife duo Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore, more commonly known as Tennis, first entered the music scene back in January of 2011 with their album Cape Dory.  Since then, the couple has cultivated their fine ear for melody and rhythm into something really rad.  What I would be most inclined to classify as retro-beachy pop, Moore and Riley use 1950s inspired melodies and riffs mixed with just enough of a modern feel to make me wish I was spinning their album on vinyl while hanging out on a beach somewhere.

 

Tennis’ most recent album Young & Old was written and recorded over a mere three month span with The Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney overseeing its production.  Much like their first project Cape Dory, Tennis’ sophomore record is filled with the same singsong vocals, nostalgic lyrics, and solid beats.

 

Earlier this month, Tennis released a brand new 5 song EP called Small Sound for Communion Records.  Small Sound, which is still full of the same inviting Tennis-esque vibe, shows maturation and refinement of their sound.  With more experience now in their trenches, Tennis has been able to refine their upbeat melodies, hooks, and lyrics, all while staying true to their original sound and making music that they know their fans will love.

 

– Bailey Basham