Parquet Courts
Biography
Parquet Courts emerged from the Brooklyn indie rock scene in 2010 as the brainchild of Andrew Savage and Austin Brown, two Texas transplants who found themselves crafting some of the most compelling guitar-driven music of the 2010s. What began as a lo-fi bedroom recording project between friends would evolve into one of indie rock's most consistently innovative and lyrically sharp bands, earning critical acclaim for their ability to balance punk energy with literary sophistication.
The band's origins trace back to Savage and Brown's college days at the University of North Texas, where they played together in various projects before relocating to New York City. Initially operating under multiple monikers including Parkay Quarts, the duo eventually settled on Parquet Courts, a name that perfectly captured their aesthetic of taking everyday mundane objects and finding art within them. Their early recordings were characterized by a deliberately rough-hewn sound, with jangly guitars and deadpan vocals that drew comparisons to Pavement, The Fall, and Television.
Their breakthrough came with 2012's "Light Up Gold," an album that would establish Parquet Courts as masters of the art-punk revival. Recorded for just $50 in Savage's apartment, the album showcased their ability to transform mundane observations into profound statements about modern life. Songs like "Borrowed Time" and "Stoned and Starving" became indie anthems, with the latter's stream-of-consciousness narrative about late-night munchies elevated by Savage's deadpan delivery and the band's hypnotic, repetitive guitar work. The album's success led to a partnership with What's Your Rupture? Records and later Rough Trade, establishing them as a band to watch in the indie rock landscape.
By the time they released "Sunbathing Animal" in 2014, Parquet Courts had expanded to a full four-piece with the addition of Max Savage on drums and Sean Yeaton on bass. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, featuring longer, more experimental compositions while maintaining their signature wit and observational prowess. The title track became a seven-minute krautrock-influenced epic, while songs like "Black and White" and "Vienna II" demonstrated their growing confidence as songwriters. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the band's ability to balance accessibility with experimentation, cementing their reputation as one of indie rock's most promising acts.
The band's creative peak arguably came with 2018's "Wide Awake!" produced by Danger Mouse, which saw them incorporating elements of funk, dance-punk, and even hip-hop into their sound. This album represented their most politically engaged work, with tracks like "Total Football" and "Violence" addressing contemporary social issues while maintaining their trademark literary sensibility. The collaboration with Danger Mouse brought a newfound clarity and punch to their sound without sacrificing their artistic integrity. "Wide Awake!" earned them their highest chart positions and most mainstream attention, proving that Parquet Courts could evolve without compromising their core identity.
Throughout their career, Parquet Courts have been praised for their prolific output and consistent quality, releasing numerous albums, EPs, and singles that showcase their versatility. Their live performances have become legendary for their intensity and unpredictability, with the band known for their ability to transform their recorded material into something entirely different on stage. They've toured extensively worldwide, playing major festivals and earning a devoted fanbase that appreciates their intellectual approach to punk rock.
The band's influence extends beyond their musical output, with their lyrics often cited as examples of how indie rock can tackle serious subjects with both humor and intelligence. Savage's writing, in particular, has been compared to poets and novelists, with his ability to find profundity in the quotidian resonating with critics and fans alike. Their approach to DIY ethics and artistic independence has inspired countless other bands to pursue their own creative visions without compromise.
Currently, Parquet Courts continue to tour and record, with recent releases like "Sympathy for Life" (2021) showing their ongoing evolution and willingness to experiment. They remain one of indie rock's most vital and unpredictable bands, consistently pushing boundaries while maintaining the core elements that made them special. Their legacy as one of the defining bands of 2010s indie rock seems secure, having successfully bridged the gap between underground credibility and broader cultural relevance while never losing their essential weirdness and charm.
