Denver indie pop group Tennis is back with their newest single “Never Work for Free” from their third album Ritual in Repeat, due out September 9 via Communion Records. With the help of Patrick Carney (The Black Keys), Jim Eno (Spoon) and Richard Swift (the Shins), the husband-wife duo return with a sound that is still completely theirs but more developed and perhaps more daring. In preparation for the release of this album, the band went on tour with sister act HAIM last spring. Once the new album is out, they will headline a North American tour in the fall. Active since 2010, Tennis's debut album Cape Dory was released with critical acclaim, especially with the origin story surrounding it. Inspired by their time sailing around the Atlantic together, the story has since been romanticized and restructured, often to the ire of the band members. Their second album, Young & Old, was the first to be produced by The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney, which has more concrete, mature themes but still showcases the band’s nostalgic pop sounds. For “Never Work for Free,” Alaina Moore’s voice is the clearest it has ever been, with no filters or layers to distract from the bright vocal harmonies that highlight her saccharine voice. It’s a vibrant, fresh song, appropriate for coastal road trips in a red convertible and impromptu dance parties during late-night grocery trips. Vocally, Moore is at her strongest, boldly reaching new heights during the chorus and then sinking to mellow tones during the verses and bridge. The repetitive percussion and dreamy synths mixed with her soothing singing ensure that this song will not leave your head nor will you want it to. The track is available for free download from the band’s website, and you can stream it via Souncloud below.

TRACK REVIEWTennis “Never Work For Free”