Parquet Courts
Sunbathing Animal
What’s your Rupture/Mom & Pop
released: June 3, 2014
The Brooklyn-based quartet continue to develop their cerebral Indie sound coupling a selection of short frenetic pieces with more mature slower complex tunes that often reference post punk and experimental rock bands of the late 1970s-1980s. For Pitchfork, Larry Fitzmaurice notes, “they continue to expand their musical horizons by offering more of their own takes on older sounds: there are sonic nods to the spiky energy of Wire circa Pink Flag, the Velvet Underground’s relentless chug, Television’s more straightforward moments of elegance, Bob Dylan’s braying ramble, surf rock’s angular riffs filtered through amphetamine-poisoned blood.” This is an accurate and fairly interesting assessment of a band who is obviously interested in offering a nod to its’ musical predecessors.
Track 8 “Sunbathing Animal” runs at roughly 4 minutes is full of the speed and aggressive one encountered in Fugazi’s 13 Songs released in 1989. The rhythm makes me want to engage in rather malicious activities. There is angst, anger, and beat that will envelope your mind.
Track 10 “Instant Disassembly” is a lengthier and possibly the most nuanced and beautiful arrangement. I added this one to my Itunes upon an initial listen.
If you want to check them out live, you will need to head over to the UK or continental Europe this summer. Their next gig in the Chicago area will be August 2nd at Lollapalooza.
Review by Chester Alamo-Costello
