Indie pop band Tennis kicks off their new EP “Small Sound” with the plucky and strong “Mean Streets,” and continues to maintain the same nostalgic synth-pop vibe for which the band is known. “Mean Streets,” for example, offers the band’s signature sound through a strong drumline and sweet lyrics along with a hint of ’80s pop style.

But while Tennis’ music has always walked a line of sugary sweetness, “Small Sound” veers into a cloying musicality that fails to demonstrate any evolution for fans that have listened to Tennis since their debut LP “Cape Dory” in 2011. Alaina Moore’s angelic, almost childish voice carries the EP through ballads and anthems with a strong consistency, but that stability comes at the cost of fresh sound.

Any of the five songs featured on this EP could be found on “Cape Dory” or its follow-up “Young & Old,” and while all of Tennis’ songs are beautiful and easy listens, none of them strike a different or unique chord. “Small Sound” delivers exactly the kind of music Tennis has made in the past and, despite still being fun, fans hoping for anything but familiarity will be disappointed.

For those looking for nothing but recognizable sound, from aforementioned “Mean Streets” to the upbeat and dancey closing track “100 Lovers,” Tennis does supply an appealing range of emotions in their music. In the ballad “Dimming Light,” a high point on the EP, Moore sings the bittersweet line “Although you’re lying next to me/I know that you’re not mine” with a believability that makes the sadness palpable. Tennis produces such a strong and distinctive sound that it is often easy to overlook their simple and poignant words, but on “Small Sound” the lyrics encourage multiple listens.

The album may not have a breakout song, but its uniformly catchy vibe should delight Tennis’ fans. The saxophone on “Cured of Youth” lends a jazzy feel to an otherwise strongly indie record, but the saccharine “Timothy” represents exactly what Tennis unfortunately often strays into — an overly sweet territory that feels more corny than passionate.

The problem with Tennis is that they aren’t polarizing — it’s hard to imagine loving or hating themwith extreme passion, and this EP won’t likely change opinions. “Small Sound” is exactly the type of record Tennis fans can expect from the indie pop outfit. And despite a lack of innovation, it’s as angelic and pleasant as Tennis has been since their debut.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 print edition. Charlotte Graham is a staff writer. Email her at [email protected].