Parquet Courts: Light Up Gold

Releasing their debut album American Specialties exclusively on tape towards the end of 2011 was a mark of the simplistic attitude of Parquet Courts. A good ol’ fashioned rock band without the clichés or the gimmicks, they’re about short, snappy, rough-around-the-edges indie-punk with an Ill Communication twist.
Light Up Gold, the follow-up, was first released last summer on Dull Tools and after making a big impression, the 15-track LP has been reissued on What’s Yr Rapture, affording the New York four-piece the first taste of the recognition they deserve. 
Beneath clattering, dual-guitar waves and barking vocals, ‘Light It Up Gold’ is a reclining, Pavement-esque foray, containing a calculated evaluation of what Parquet Courts see around them. ‘Careers In Combat’ is a minute-long sneer at the state of employment amidst economic downturn, while stand-out track ‘Stoned & Starving’ is exactly what the title suggests, a story of the stoned and starving told in just over five minutes, making it the longest track on the album by a good stretch.
But you wouldn’t have it any other way. From the swampy, guitar-riddled opener ‘Master Of My Craft’ to the edgy, upbeat ‘Tears O Plenty’, Light Up Gold is a buoyant, straight-to-the-point 33-minute LP that encourages brainless relaxation – and ultimately compels the listener to loosen up and look less serious.

Key Track: 'Stoned & Starving'