Parquet Courts Ooze Unflinching Energy, Rock Snarl and Stoner Poetry

Their latest album has kept the bite but also added a certain nostalgic smokiness redolent of their Texas roots.

Stories worth knowing. Reporting worth supporting. Willamette Week's biggest fundraiser of the year is underway. Help fund independent reporting that is free for everyone.

Give today. Keep the stories coming.

[STONED PUNK] With the release of their fifth studio album, Human Performance, in April, Brooklyn's Parquet Courts have proven again that their vinegary marinade of unflinching energy, rock snarl and stoner poetry makes them one of the best rock bands around today. Onstage, vocalists Andrew Savage and Austin Brown are firecrackers, exploding youthful energy in their ability to scream lightning-fast lyrics and jump up and down like frantic toddlers, all while managing to maintain an air of unapologetic, razor-sharp cool. The Courts' second album, 2012's Light Up Gold, is full of New York stories oozing with briny specificity. On Human Performance, they've kept the bite but also added a certain nostalgic smokiness redolent of their Texas roots—Jeff Tweedy is even featured on the album. Expect a playful snarl and uncompromising wit, and prepare your throat for yelling.

Parquet Courts play Sunday at 4 pm.

(Amy Churchwell)

Ice Cube: Original Gangster, Unconventional Activist b/w Portland Rappers' Favorite Cube Lyrics | Portland's Most Hardcore Duran Duran Fans b/w Rare Duran Duran Memorabilia | Tame Impala Weed Strains | The Cult of Ween | The Myth of Drive Like Jehu | Ask Andrew W.K. | Five Facts About A$AP Ferg | Five Facts About Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats | Tenement | The Coathangers | Liv Warfield | Parquet Courts | Hop Along | STRFKR | Unknown Mortal Orchestra | Sheer Mag | Diarrhea Planet | Kyle Craft | Awesome Things at Project Pabst That Aren't Music | Project Pabst Night Shows

Willamette Week

Sophia June

Sophia June is the former web editor.

Willamette Week reports the stories worth knowing, from City Hall to the people and places shaping Portland.

Help keep the stories coming by supporting WW on Give!Guide.