Whimsical, beachy, and retro, Tennis encapsulates a sound like no other. The duo consisting of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley, married and hailing from Denver, CO, released their first album, Cape Dory, in 2011. It was inspired by the couple’s post-college sailing trip and the different locations they discovered along the way, a perfect example of their musical eccentricity.
Moore’s wispy vocals paired with underlying smooth guitar lines are a common occurrence throughout Tennis’s music, and it’s a style that translates a calm coolness different from other soft-alt stylings. At times doo-wop, at others beach-alt, it’s something unique. Songs like “Marathon” off their debut album and “Origins” off their second show this style perfectly, with lyrics that read like poetry.
The band’s most recent album, Yours Conditionally, features a more developed sound that is more challenging than their initial soft beach tones, but one that still maintains the overall calm and cool style that they’re known for. The first song off the album “In the Morning I’ll Be Better,” is more reminiscent of music from the ’60s, and Moore’s voice has become more mature and confident. Overall, Tennis is a must-see and must-listen-to band, not for a wild night out, but for a nice relaxing weekend.
Tennis is performing on Sunday, March 19, at the 9:30 Club, with opener Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Tickets are available here.
