Originally published on indie shuffle

Brooklynites by way of Texas (hence their self-proclaimed label of “Americana Punk”), Parquet Courts fit right in among their noise rock neighbors.  Nowhere is this more apparent than on the track “Stoned & Starving.” The subject matter is exactly what it sounds like, but somehow the music is exhilarating where it should be mundane.

Q&A: Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie

Beginning with an instantly catchy two-chord riff that remains constant throughout, the song is interspersed with inspired noise solos that stave off a feeling of repetition. Vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Andrew Savage sings of walking through Queens in search of grub, finding the profound in a vignette of urban life.

Review: Bob Mould Silver Age

Emblematic of Parquet Court’s debut album Light up Gold as a whole, the guitar work is simple and the vocals unassuming, but there is something unmistakably immediate about their ostensibly derivative garage band sound. Taking their cues from the unfussy, yet addictive grooves of bands like The Feelies and the Modern Lovers — but with a modern indie rock spin — this a band that is instantly accessible, yet seems to possess the songwriting chops for the long haul.

Q&A: Jazz Drummer Matt Wilson