Tennis--debut LP "Cape Dory" out January 18 on Fat Possum

The widely praised duo Tennis will make their Fat Possum debut January 18 with their much-anticipated album Cape Dory, which SPIN proclaims “(almost) too good to be true,” giving it an 8 out of 10 review in their current issue. The release will include all songs from this summer’s 7” EP, South Carolina, which is lauded by The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly and more. Following the release, Tennis will embark on a nationwide tour. 

The pair, consisting of guitarist Patrick Riley and vocalist Alaina Moore, met while studying philosophy in college. Motivated by stories shared by sailors including Joshua Slocum, and Lin and Larry Pardey, the two sold their collective possessions, bought an old sailboat and embarked on 7-month journey along the Eastern seaboard. Upon their return, and in search of an outlet to catalog their experience, the couple began writing music together.

The resulting lo-fi sound is inspired by the minimalist lifestyle they experienced on their adventure. Riley explains, “Simplicity and self-sufficiency were our highest priorities. When we were on the boat—no cell phones, no internet, no electricity most of time, having to do everything yourself—made its way into our album by not having a producer, recording it ourselves, mixing it ourselves, very little production, etc.”

Riley continues “Anytime we could make a song simpler, we did. There is very little tracking or overdubbing on the album. We didn’t want to use production tricks to make things sound ‘better.’ No vocal doubling, no harmonizers, no auto-tune.”

The band played their first-ever live show in July, yet have already packed venues including New York City’s Mercury Lounge. Following the release, Tennis will embark on an extensive U.S. tour kicking off January 27 in Salt Lake City.

TENNIS

January 27                                     Urban Lounge                         Salt Lake City, UT

January 28                                      The Neurolux                                        Boise, ID

January 29                                 Mississippi Studios                             Portland, OR

January 31                                       Media Club                                Vancouver, BC

February 1                                      The Crocodile                                    Seattle, WA

February 3                                  Bottom of the Hill                      San Francisco, CA

February 4                                             Echo                                  Los Angeles, CA

February 5                              The Tin Can Ale House                       San Diego, CA

February 7                                    Hotel Congress                                   Tucson, AZ

February 8                                     Rhythm Room                                  Phoenix, AZ

February 10                                        Hi Dive                                        Denver, CO

February 17                                         Jackpot                                     Lawrence, KS

February 18                                      Slowdown                                       Omaha, NE

February 19                                   7^th Street Entry                          Minneapolis, MN

February 21                                High Noon Saloon                              Madison, WI

February 22                                     Lincoln Hall                                     Chicago, IL

February 25                                Horseshoe Tavern                               Toronto, ON

February 26                                       Il Motore                                    Montreal, QC

February 27                                      Iron Horse                            Northampton, MA

February 28                                      Great Scott                                     Boston, MA

March 2                                       Bowery Ballroom                           New York, NY

March 3                                        The Bell House                               Brooklyn, NY

March 4                                       Johnny Brenda’s                          Philadelphia, PA

March 5                                     Rock and Roll Hotel                       Washington, DC

March 7                                             Local 506                                Chapel Hill, NC

March 8                                            Grey Eagle                                  Asheville, NC

March 10                                        The Basement                                Nashville, TN

March 11                                            The Earl                                        Atlanta, GA

March 12                                          The Social                                      Orlando, FL

March 13                                        The Orpheum                                      Tampa, FL

March 15                                   The Parish @ HOB                      New Orleans, LA