Salty sweethearts Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley of Tennis aren’t just capable young sea navigators — they also put on a great, albeit short, live show. In person, Moore brings to mind a more innocent, bigger-haired Liz Phair, while Riley resembles an older Dennis the Menace. The two, along with touring drummer James Barone, rocked their new album, Cape Dory, to a sold-out audience of canned-beer drinkers at the Tin Can Alehouse on Saturday.
It was easy to discern the palpable romantic chemistry between the recently married Riley and Moore. But, in true relationship fashion, it was even easier to see that they succeed together because of their individual talents. With furrowed brow and frail fingers, Moore played her keyboard with nimble precision, singing each song in her whispery but strong voice. Riley, head down and dancing, strummed his guitar with the assurance of someone who clearly knows the difference between port and starboard.
As for drummer Barone, who applied the necessary percussive glue to the tracks — maybe he’ll meet a nice female bass player before Tennis record their sophomore album.
Photos: Tennis – February 5, 2011
Watch: Tennis – “Take Me Somewhere”
Tennis tour dates
February 10 – Hi Dive – Denver, CO
February 17 – Jackpot – Lawrence, KS
February 18 – Slowdown – Omaha, NE
February 19 – 7th 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