Musical duos often navigate the complex interplay of artistic vision and personal relationship, but few have managed as deftly as Tennis, the indie pop band formed by Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley. Since their debut album, Cape Dory, was released in 2011, the couple has enchanted audiences with their dreamy, nostalgic sound and eloquent lyrics. However, they recently dropped a significant announcement that has their fans filled with a mix of excitement and sadness: Tennis will embark on an indefinite hiatus following the release of their final studio album, Face Down In The Garden, coming out on April 25, 2025. As they prepare for their farewell tour, we delve into their journey, the meaning of this hiatus, and what it could signify for the duo's future.
In a heartfelt press statement, Moore shared the sentiment that guided their decision: “Patrick and I spent most of our 20s and all of our 30s focused on Tennis. It has been the most joyous, bewildering, challenging, and humbling experience.” With the realization that they had achieved everything they desired musically, the couple felt it was time to step away and pursue new creative endeavors.
This move is not entirely unexpected; many artists face a similar crossroads. When bands evolve as intensely as Tennis has over the years, a contemplation of personal and artistic growth becomes essential. For Moore and Riley, the concluding tour feels like a final chapter, an opportunity to celebrate what they’ve built together before turning the page.
Tennis has always been characterized by a distinctive musical style that blends elements of pop, rock, and folk. Their storytelling often evokes personal experiences and whimsical snapshots of life.
The band’s journey began with Cape Dory, inspired by a sailing trip the couple took along the East Coast. The album was well-received, establishing them as a unique voice in the indie music scene. Songs like "Take Me Somewhere" showcased their early sound, characterized by jangly guitars and lush melodies.
Following their debut, Tennis released several acclaimed albums, including:
Their most recent project, Pollen (2023), further illustrated their artistic maturity and versatility, layering rich sounds with contemplative themes.
Tennis's last album, Face Down In The Garden, is set to encapsulate their journey as artists and a couple. Its release not only marks the end of an era but also bears the weight of their shared experiences, struggles, and joys.
When discussing the new album, Moore noted, “We are ready to pursue other creative projects and to make space in our lives for new things.” This sentiment suggests that their hiatus will not simply be a break but rather a chance to explore the realms of creativity outside the framework of Tennis.
The album is set to feature several new songs that reflect their signature lyrical style. The anticipated track list includes:
Following the release of Face Down In The Garden, Tennis will kick off their farewell tour on May 16, 2025. This tour will celebrate their decade-long career, offering fans the opportunity to see the duo live one last time. The band will perform in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, along with supporting acts such as Billie Marten at various stops.
In addition to the tour, Tennis plans to release Neutral Poetry: First Recordings, Unreleased Demos 2009-2010, a compilation of previously unreleased material. This will provide fans with a deeper insight into their creative process and early days.
The decision to take a hiatus raises questions about the future of Tennis and what this chapter means for Moore and Riley personally and professionally. Hiatuses in the music industry can lead to transformative experiences for artists.
Historically, many bands that have taken hiatuses often emerge renewed, sometimes reuniting stronger or branching out into more experimental projects. The A.V. Club cites examples like Fleetwood Mac, who took time off to pursue solo careers only to reunite with new energy and perspective.
However, other bands remain separated indefinitely, never returning to the original configurations that made them popular. In Tennis's case, their hiatus could signal a genuine desire for personal growth and exploration, something many artists have articulated as essential for their careers.
For Tennis, the hiatus may allow Moore and Riley to explore individual pursuits, particularly within the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. By taking a step back, they might find inspiration for future projects that resonate beyond their established brand.
In interviews, both have expressed interest in various artistic mediums beyond music, indicating that they may channel their energy and creativity into new ventures.
As Tennis heads into this final tour, nurturing the connection with fans becomes paramount. The announcement has already stirred emotions among listeners who have followed the band from their early days.
The farewell tour is framed as a celebration, with concertgoers likely to experience an emotional night. For many fans, these shows will serve as both a chance to reminisce and to find closure as they bid farewell to a cherished act.
Moore and Riley’s artistic ethos revolves around storytelling—it’s not uncommon for them to engage in conversations with their audience. This intimacy has often been a defining characteristic of their performances, fostering connections that outlast live show experiences.
The final album, Face Down In The Garden, is set to be released on April 25, 2025.
The farewell tour will begin on May 16, 2025, and will cover various cities including Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago, running through the summer.
Currently, Tennis plans to release Neutral Poetry: First Recordings, Unreleased Demos 2009-2010 on May 16, 2025, but there are no confirmed plans for new music post-hiatus.
Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley expressed that they want to pursue other creative projects and feel they have achieved all they wanted with Tennis.
Tennis has been influential in bridging elements of indie pop and rock, blending personal storytelling with experimental sounds, making them unique among their contemporaries.
As Tennis navigates this transformative period, fans will watch closely to see how this decision shapes their future and what kind of new creative works they might bring to life outside of their established identity. For now, their farewell tour looms large on the horizon, a bittersweet but heartfelt celebration of their journey together in music.