Ritual In Repeat

by 
AlbumSep 09 / 201411 songs, 38m 6s
Indie Pop
Popular

The sheer joy in the super-catchy pop grooves of “Never Work for Free” is reason enough to check out what Tennis are doing on their third full-length album, *Ritual in Repeat*. The Denver-based husband-and-wife duo of Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley know exactly how to style-surf without sounding like mere dilettantes. No, these pop thrill-seekers live for Fleetwood Mac–style harmonies, ‘80s synth-pop hooks, nuanced keyboard chords, and driving (but never heavyhanded) rhythms. “Needle and a Knife” throws a synth line second to none, while “I’m Callin’” balances between the lightness of ‘80s pop and the subtle rainy-day textures that creep in. “Bad Girls” sounds like *Autoamerican*-era Blondie with a touch of pout. “Timothy” and “Wounded Heart” slow for reflective ballads. Everything comes with hooks, for it don’t mean a thing if you can’t remember the damn thing. Tennis seem incapable of writing songs without them.

7.0 / 10

Ritual in Repeat finds Tennis continuing to mature and highlight their strengths with the help of a prominent producer, Spoon’s Jim Eno. It's a nicely confident album, one that takes a simple formula to a few unexpected places.

7.9 / 10

Denver duo Tennis splashed on to the scene with their 2011 oceanic doo-woppy debut, Cape Dory.

After a second album that added some decidedly mid-fi punch and pop to their lo-fi, lilting sound, Tennis' third album, Ritual in Repeat, continues down the same path.

8 / 10

The third studio album from the eternally charming indie-pop duo Tennis is just a teeny bit deceptive; as buoyant and carefree as the music seems, it was born from a rigorous writing and practicing schedule, adopted by the Denver-based band in response to a brutal case of writer's block.

6.0 / 10

Tennis have made a solid career from their shimmering dream-pop shtick.

4 / 10

7.8 / 10

Review Of Tennis' New album 'Ritual In Repeat' out tomorrow on Communion, the lead single from the LP is "Never Work For Free" Tennis play NYC tonight

80 %

Album Reviews: Tennis - Ritual In Repeat

4.0 / 5

Tennis - Ritual In Repeat review: Aces.