Cape Dory
*Cape Dory* is the feel-good debut release by Tennis, the married duo of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley. Together they create a shimmering surf-pop sound based on lightly reverbed guitar and vocals, crisp keyboard lines, and simple and snappy drum patterns that recall bubblegum pop standards of the late ‘50s/early ‘60s. This warm and nostalgic feel is supported by Moore’s sweetly layered vocals and romantic lyrics about sailing away with one’s lover and similar nautical metaphors. “Marathon,” “South Carolina,” and “Seafarer” are definite highlights, but each of the 10 songs are so well-paced and cleverly presented that there’s really not a bad one in the bunch. By sticking so closely to their concept Tennis makes it easy to fall for their tender melodies and timeless sound. *Cape Dory* is a charming, lo-fi release that breezily lets the good vibes roll.
Husband/wife indie pop duo follow a string of well-liked blog mp3s with their nostalgia-soaked, Brill Building-referencing LP.
If a couple of your friends just got back from seven months of sailing around the Atlantic, and wanted you to listen to a soundtrack they created to capture the experience, you might wish they’d keep their obnoxious aristocratic adventures to themselves. What’s most surprising about Tennis’ debut, Cape Dory, is how…
Tennis - Cape Dory review: An irresistible burst of sunshine in the dead of winter.