ALBUM REVIEW: Tennis- Small Sound EP

By: Brona Ranieri

Tennis, a Denver-based band composed of married couple Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley, plan to release their third full-length album on February 3rd 2014. The EP, Small Sound, which was released on November 5th, is very similar to Tennis’ first two albums. However, the band decided it was time for a slight change. Alaina Moore’s jazzy croon maintains the focus of the sound while the Black Key-esque organ that flirts in the background of Cape Dory as well as Young & Old seems to be absent. A piano (sometimes harpsichord) presence seems to have replaced the organ pipes. Although Patrick Carney of The Black Keys no longer claims the title of producer, the strong drum-lines and electric instrumentals that are characteristic of The Keys are present among Small Sound’s tracks. Carney’s lingering influence is most evident in the song “Cured of Youth.”

Overall, Tennis stayed true to their surf-pop origins. The five songs presented on Small Sound add warmth to chilly autumnal mornings. To put it simply, Tennis is damn good at producing “happy music.”  The catchy piano riffs of “Mean Streets” and the fuzzy reverb of “Dimming Light” are instant mood enhancers. However, bands like Tennis run the risk of producing songs that are indistinguishable. The tunes featured on Small Sound barely escape such tragedy. Although Alaina Moore has a voice that is unique and full of character, her lack of vocal range limits what the band can produce. Moore nails the cutesy, innocent roll but has not proven that she can do anything else. The lack of flexible vocal dynamics pushes Tennis dangerously close to the “boring” category. One must remember that “boring music” does not necessarily translate directly to “bad music.” Tennis has all the right pieces, they just have to take more risks.

Let’s compare music to a Thanksgiving feast. Good food makes people happy but 7 consecutive days of leftover mashed potatoes elicits a phobia of spuds. People strive for variety with not only food, but music as well. Listening to the same song over and over again is not a common practice (Unless you are listening to a new release). Tennis produces songs that walk the line of being too similar. Fortunately, the diversity of their instrumentals saves Tennis from damnation. Tennis’ signature high hat and snare sound complements the rhythmic piano nicely. Such combination is versatile and malleable. Imagine if another vocal level was added to Tennis’ tunes. Perhaps another female vocalist would add just the perfect amount of spice. As a young group, Tennis obviously has much to learn. However, the fact that their first two albums are indistinguishable while Small Sound has its own identifiable character speaks towards the growth of the band.