Tennis to release album and on tour

The much anticipated second album from Denver-based Tennis, Young and Old, is set for release February 14, 2012 on Fat Possum Records. Their widely praised debut Cape Dory, which The Wall Street Journal called “a winsome set of breezy pop songs,” was released earlier this year. For their forthcoming album guitarist Patrick Riley, vocalist Aliana Moore and drummer James Barone headed to Nashville to work with The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney. The first single from these sessions, “Origins,” will be released on limited edition on blue 7” vinyl on December 6 via Forest Family Records. Over the last few months, Tennis has also released a series of covers as free downloads including “Is It True” by Brenda Lee and their take of “Tell Her No” by The Zombies. To support the new 7” and road rehearse new songs, the band will embark on a December run of west coast dates with The Miniature Tigers supporting. See below for more information.

After the success of their first album and touring for the better part of a year that included shows as far away as Moscow, Riley and Moore returned home and realized what was initially a bedroom-recording project had quickly evolved into a band. The challenge of a second record was upon them, but songwriting came quickly and in three months the duo had most of the material for their new album. The goal this time was to mature and vary their sound. Riley describes the new direction as “Stevie Nicks going through a Motown phase.” By the time they hooked up with Carney, they had fleshed out most of the songs that would comprise Young and Old. With their friend and mentor at the producer helm, the recording progressed naturally and within three weeks the album was done. While their debut was written with a third touring member in mind, the new album is written and recorded with the addition of a fourth.Tennis was born of Riley and Moore’s nearly seven-month sailing trip, which consisted of selling all their possessions, purchasing an old sailboat, repairing it, and cruising up and down the eastern seaboard. Upon returning home, the duo began writing music together as a way to document the history of their shared experience. The result was Cape Dory, an intimate and concise recollection of life on a 30-foot sloop. Tennis received more than 50 thousand listens to the free tracks they posted online and was promptly signed to Fat Possum Records.

TENNIS TOUR

December 6 The Crescent Ballroom Phoenix, AZ

December 7 The Satellite Los Angeles, CA

December 8 The Casbah San Diego, CA

December 9 Velvet Jones Santa Barbara, CA

December 10 Bottom Of The Hill Santa Francisco, CA

December 12 Doug Fir Lounge Portland, OR

December 13 The Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, BC

December 14 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, WA

December 17 Hi-Dive Denver, CO