Fat Possum

The Wikipedia entryabout Tennis labels the band as “surf-pop.” Yet there isn’t anything Beach Boys-like about this Denver-based husband-wife team, save for some rich vocal harmonies. Atmospheric pop and even power pop better describe the catchy harmonic interplay between Alaina Moore’s angelic voice and the retro-yet-now sounds that support it. Produced by Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney, Young and Old is a study in contrasts that at times channels Lush or Pale Saints; while other moments are more ‘70s and Big Star in nature. Synth or disco beats mix with Samba rhythms, vintage lounge or ‘90s post-punk fuzz. Moore’s chameleon voice – shifting just enough toreshape some similar sounding songs – binds it all together, while Patrick Riley’s fluid guitar consistently finds the right groove or edge. They are contrasts, yes, but pure pleasure, too.