Bay Area Beats: February 3 - 10

Music: "Marathon" by Tennis.

SPOTLIGHT: Tennis @ The Bottom of the Hill in SF, Thursday (TONIGHT!) February 3

If you heard that two philosophy students in Colorado planned to embark on a several-month-long journey along the Atlantic Coast via sailboat, having no prior sailing experience or knowledge, you’d probably call them idealistic and naïve. When you heard that they’d actually pulled it off, though, you’d probably be pretty impressed. Right? Right. But then, when you learned that upon arriving home, the couple recorded a spectacular melodic surf rock record to commemorate their voyage, you’d just be downright mad. (“Well, last year I took improv classes and brewed my own beer, that’s pretty cool too, okay?”)

But seriously folks, don’t be envious, even though you are probably not as totally awesome as the husband and wife sailing/rock team Tennis. Just be grateful that you get to listen to their music. The couple’s nostalgia for the open seas inspired debut album “Cape Dory,” a dreamy lo-fi collection of songs released just last month. Tennis bounces between upbeat poppy songs and gentle melodies that perfectly capture the romance of the tranquil sea.

Take the chance to see them while you can, because you never know when they might pull anchor and set sail for good…

LOCALS: Thao & Mirah @ The Humanist Hall in Oakland, Friday February 4

Should San Franciscans feel guilty that their fair city steals so many musicians from their own hometowns? Nope. We should just embrace and enjoy the musical magnet that is the Bay Area.

Indie artists Thao (from Thao with the Get Down Stay Down) & Mirah both moved to SF in the past couple years, independently of one another. Both are accomplished songwriters and musicians in their own right, but have now decided to collaborate on an album, creating a mini indie super group (cooler than Monsters of Folks, in my humble opinion…).

While their music is best described as folk rock, both artists are known for incorporating rather unconventional vocals and instrumentation. Their show this Friday is part of the Art Auction event for the Bay Area Girls Rock Camp, and should give a glimpse into what their forthcoming album will sound like.

BANDS WITH THE BEST NAME PLAYING THIS WEEK:

This week’s bands are bear-themed: Koalacaust plays the Serra Bowling Alley in Daly City on Friday night, and across the Bay at the Uptown in Oakland you can hear Death Sentence: Panda! on the same night.