By Carmen Herrera |Asst. A&E Editor|
Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley may not be sailing on any voyages across the Atlantic, but that doesn’t mean they’re not taking the indie scene by storm.
The husband and wife duo known as Tennis have released their anticipated sophomore album, Young & Old.
The Denver couple met as philosophy majors in college and would later embark on a 7-month voyage at sea that inspired them to write and produce their own music.
Known for covering the surf-pop genre similar to that of the Beach Boys, Tennis’ new album does not shy away from the music that made them indie’s newest sensation.
Upon listening to the album, songs such as “Traveling” and “Robin” are reminiscent of their previous work, Cape Dory.
Moore’s soft vocals mash well with her keyboard harmonies, while Riley’s guitars blend a productive combination that one could consider “surf music” bliss.
Though this album may keep in a similar style of Cape Dory, it does not hesitate to go in a new route and experiment with different sounds.
Produced by Patrick Carney of The Black Keys, “Young & Old” incorporates their traditional indie pop style mashed with elements of rock and soul, conveying a deeper feeling than in their previous effort.
The mix of these tunes can be found in songs such as “My Better Self” and “Petition” which see the surfer beach sounds chime down slowly and incorporate deep, meaningful lyrics leaning towards more of a rock feeling.
“My better self still knows/that meaning comes and goes/what is it mean/I do not know/but meaning comes and it goes,” Moore croons.
“I see your hidden past/ the memories that don’t go back enough to remember what/ I’m suppose to lack,” are lyrics pleading in “Petition” to go beyond the getaway of sail trips and face one’s inner self.
Though the lyrics convey a rather serious tone, the instrumentals still make the song equally as catchy and enjoyable as songs you would find playing over a bonfire.
The best song from the album, which also serves as the lead single, is “Origins.”
“We have to set things right/have you confused your power/with my own,” Moore sings, almost sounding as a question from a spouse to another.
Though the song pleads for their love to return to their beautiful and romantic origins, the melodies make it difficult to think of it as anything other than another catchy, melodic Tennis masterpiece.
With constant auto-tuned sounds being pushed into our ears and repeated on the radio, Tennis’ sounds are a refreshing blend of authentic pop music to sit back and relax to.
Totaling at ten songs all around 3 minutes, Young & Old seemingly flies away just as you are becoming hooked to the music. Despite this, Tennis has definitely crafted the kind of music that deserves to be left on repeat.
Tennis’ second effort is a more soulful, vibrant showcase of indie pop then their debut that everyone, young and old, will enjoy.
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