TENNIS - Young & Old LP

Label: Fat Possum

2011’s debut set from Denver-based husband-and-wife duo Tennis, Cape Dory, was the sort of sweet but slight affair which delighted for its duration but quickly escaped the memory.

This follow-up, recorded in Nashville with The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney, looks to take the step from home-recording project to band proper. And it’s largely successful in transplanting the pair’s fine ear for a melody onto rather meatier arrangements, pieces which flex with more pronounced muscles and leave slightly deeper impressions than their forerunners.

The songwriting is top notch. ‘Dreaming’ is exquisite; Aliana Moore’s breathless vocal plays kiss-chase with a succulent melody and a swirling beat. ‘My Better Self’ tries to be maudlin, but only succeeds to out itself as a masterpiece of synth-pop, while ‘It All Feels The Same’ is shameless ear-candy.

Warning: listening to this album may cause a serious outbreak of happiness.