#24 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
“Danger Mouse produced Brooklyn post-punk that's funky, political, and surprisingly danceable. 'Wide Awake' is a post-punk song with a cowbell groove. Proof the genre is alive and well. Rough Trade, under $25.”
Parquet Courts emerged from the Brooklyn indie rock scene in 2010, initially performing as Parkay Quarts before settling on their current name. The band—featuring Andrew Savage (vocals, guitar), Max Savage (bass), Sean Yeaton (guitar), and Austin Brown (drums)—quickly established themselves as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary indie rock. Their debut album 'Light Up Gold' (2012) showcased their angular guitar work and stream-of-consciousness lyrics. The group has released several acclaimed albums including 'Sunbathing Audio' (2014), which refined their art-rock sensibilities, and 'Master of My Craft' (2012). By the mid-2010s, they had evolved toward more intricate arrangements while maintaining their experimental edge, releasing 'Human Performance' (2016) and later 'Wide Awake!' (2018). Their discography demonstrates a band constantly pushing boundaries and resisting genre conventions.
Style
Parquet Courts blend post-punk revival with art rock and experimental indie, featuring jagged, interlocking guitar lines, cryptic and poetic lyrics, and an overall aesthetic that prioritizes angular complexity over conventional melodies. Their sound combines the urgency of punk with the intellectual approach of 1980s art rock.
Significance
Parquet Courts represent a vital contemporary voice in vinyl collecting circles, embodying the post-2010 indie rock renaissance and attracting collectors interested in intelligent, unconventional alternative music. Their limited pressings and careful album packaging make them sought-after additions to serious vinyl collections.
Wide Awake! marked Parquet Courts' third studio album, released in 2018 and representing a notable shift in the band's sonic approach. Recorded primarily at Rare Book Room in Brooklyn with producer Ben Goldwasser of Goldminer, the album saw the Brooklyn-based group moving toward a more accessible, pop-influenced sound compared to their previous post-punk aesthetic. The band—Andrew Savage, Max Savage, Austin Brown, and Sean Yeaton—crafted songs that emphasized melody and hooks while maintaining their characteristic angular guitar work. Sessions were collaborative and exploratory, with the band working to balance their art-rock sensibilities with more straightforward songwriting, resulting in their most immediate and listener-friendly record to date.
Historical Context
Wide Awake! arrived during a period when post-punk revival was experiencing significant commercial momentum, yet Parquet Courts' turn toward more conventional pop structures seemed almost contrarian within their peer group. The album was released in October 2018 to generally positive reviews, with critics appreciating the band's willingness to experiment with accessibility without sacrificing their identity. It landed during an era when indie rock was diversifying rapidly, and the album's brighter, more optimistic tone reflected broader cultural anxieties while offering melodic reassurance.
Pressing Notes
Wide Awake! was released on vinyl by Rough Trade Records in standard black vinyl and limited colored variants. The LP includes a gatefold sleeve with artwork by the band's longtime collaborator Raymond Lemoine. Collectors should note that early pressings from Rough Trade tend to be well-pressed with good centering, though availability of colored variants varies by region. The album's dynamic mastering translates well to vinyl, with good separation across the frequency spectrum. Original 2018 pressings remain readily available in the secondary market at reasonable prices.
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