Tennis Courts, a Brooklyn-based alternative rock band, has released their new single “Jamie’s Party,” an electrifying anthem which is the second single off of their upcoming debut record. Calling back to the “power pop” bands of the ’70s, “Jamie’s Party” creates a new anthem for summer. The release of the single coincides with the band’s summer tour.
Originally founded by the singer-songwriter duo Patrick Walsh and Andrew Clarke in 2019, Tennis Courts first made itself known in the basements and bars of Charleston, SC. In 2021, they relocated to Brooklyn where they were joined by guitarist Brian McKenna and bassist Spencer Brigman.
Keeping the noise and energy from their dive-bar days, their upcoming debut album “explore[s] the dread and confusion of navigating life in your 20s.” Beyond the main band members, the song features Matteo DeBenedetti and Luke Ivanovich for background vocals, Erik Kase Romero for bass, and Max Connery for organ. The track was produced by Erik Kase Romero in Oakhurst, NJ.
After the dark and heavy first single “Am I Not Talking Enough” we wanted to follow up with something sonically a little lighter, but still thematically similar lyrically. We wanted to write a song that people could sing along to. We wanted something that felt like your favorite coming of age movie. It’s really just me thinking about my younger self and what I might say to them.
Patrick Walsh, singer-songwriter for Tennis Courts
If making “a song that people could sing along to” was the goal, Tennis Courts certainly succeeded. “Jamie’s Party” is a song for driving down the interstate with the windows down and for the crowded bar, with a combination of bombastic instrumentals, loud lyrics and a strong chorus.
Walsh has claimed influence by ’70s bands such as Big Star and The Cars, and that effect is clear to see, though it still has some audio charms of the 2020s. Even the name “Jamie’s Party” evokes songs like “Jesse’s Girl” and “Stacy’s Mom,” cementing it as a song between generations, though whether this was intentional is unclear.
The song’s opening slowly builds until the guitars burst in to give it an exciting start. There are various moments like this throughout the piece where the instruments get a moment to bust down the doors after vocals. It gives each line an explosive conclusion that suits the song very well.
A personal favorite moment occurs around 2:55 with a guitar solo that feels straight out of ’70s classic rock. It precedes the conclusion of the song, and is an excellent send off on the instrumental side of things.
For a song released so close the beginning of summer, “Jamie’s Party” deserves to be the sound of summer. It is an almost nostalgic song that takes from the past without copying it, and still has room to add its own to the rock genre.
Upcoming Summer Tour Dates
Nashville, TN – The East Room – July 20
Athens, GA – The Georgia Theatre – July 21
Charleston, SC – The Royal American – July 22
Savannah, GA – Starland Yard – July 23
Greenville, SC – Swanson’s Warehouse – July 25
Charlotte, NC – Snug Harbor – July 26
Philadelphia, PA – Silk City – July 29
To stream Tennis Courts’ “Jamie’s Party” check out this link to see available streaming services. For more on the band, take a look at their Linktree.
