Tennis gave a strong show Sept. 25 at the Black Cat, with an equally groovy and tight opening performance from Pure Bathing Culture.
The band joined Tennis for its post-“Ritual in Repeat” tour, adding a funky prelude to the headliner. Sarah Versprille’s vocals were strong and clear, giving the words to songs from PBC’s latest album, “Moon Tides,” substance. The audience got into the groove quickly, creating a warm environment for the headlining act.
The transition between the acts was smooth and considerate to the audience. A little less than 15 minutes after Pure Bathing Culture left the stage, wife and husband Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley took to the keyboard and guitar, respectively.
Kicking up with James Barone on drums, the trio opened with “Solar on the Rise” from their new album “Ritual in Repeat” and then followed up with “Mean Streets” from their 2013 album “Small Sound.” Heads bopped, bodies swayed and there was even the occasional occurrence of full-body dancing. Tennis went from sultry to groovy to beachy doo-wop throughout the night with “Practitioner,” “Origins” and “Viv Without The N.”
In the latter half of the performance, Moore announced the next song, “Timothy” from the new album, causing members of the audience to whisper, “I hate this song.”
But, despite the song, audience affection was not lost. In between songs, fans frequently proclaimed their love for either the band or Moore herself. After the third or fourth declaration, Moore replied, “Okay, I love you too.” Moore was evocative and quiet in-between songs, but kept her energy up.
“Ritual in Repetition’s” hallmark single “Never Work for Free” made a debut after a plug from Moore. Cheers emanated throughout the crowd as the single roused the audience even more and lasted until the final performance.
jsmith@theagleonline.com
