Tennis @ Riviera Theatre Chicago (4/7/23)
Imagine it's finally the night you are going to see your absolute favorite band on.the.planet- that one you sing (badly) along to in the car on the way to work, and vulnerably in your bedroom with your cat as your only audience member (who is definitely judging you). You're finally getting to see that band whose songs are so melodic that they stay stuck in your head for days on end, but you aren't even slightly mad about it!
When the husband-and-wife duo, Tennis, in support of their recently released album, "Pollen", graced the stage of the historic Riviera Theater in Chicago this past Friday, I was in the stratosphere with excitement to be covering a band who has meant so much to me and my boyfriend over the years.
What made the show even better was that the setting and the talent was a match made in heaven. Founded in 1915, the Riviera has seen many revisions over the years, but still sticks to its classically grand, Romantic renaissance inspired framework. In much the same way, the Colorado darlings that make up Tennis, Alaina Moore (vocals, keys, guitar) and Patrick Riley (guitar, bass guitar) have created a musical soundscape over the years that consistently feels both current and classic, allowing the listener to drift seamlessly between nostalgic worlds.
Moore swells and warbles just like a songbird gem of the '70s, while Riley matches her energy with equally airy grooves that crash perfectly into this '90s alternative grit that is sprinkled across the whole album.
To experience the magic that is a Tennis live performance is honestly transformative. Their passion for music, and for each other, is so apparent in their live shows and that chemistry was a much needed breath of fresh air and warmth during these early days of east coast Spring.
Live mixing done at the show by Grammy winning Youngstown raised artist Marc Whitmore
Photos and words by Lauren Anderson
