IT seemed only a matter of time before Parquet Courts became the biggest band in the world.
Back in 2012, after the release of their album Light up Gold, it was a fait accompli; the critics and cool kids were all in on the secret.
Four years on, however, the New York rockers remain steadfastly themselves and on the fringes.
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READ NOWBut their latest album, Human Performance, is a lo-fi masterpiece.
In the title track singer/guitarist Andrew Savage lays his heart bare, writing possibly the best, certainly the most anthemic, break-up song since Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U.
“That was something I was really nervous about,” he said.
“It’s a sad song, a song about grief.
“It wasn’t necessarily a fun song to write but it needed to be written because one element in art that’s important to me is purging.
“And in the process of that, feelings were purged, as they’re still purged when I play it.”
Those who’ve seen Parquet Courts know what he means; in full flight they are one of the most electrifying gigs around.
More: Kari Fauz, Elli Schoen and Mt Mountain join the Falls Downton Fremantle line-up
Savage said the band had its head turned after Light up Gold earned it the ‘next big thing’ tag.
“A lot of the experiences that Parquet Courts were having, we hadn’t ever had before in any previous band,” he said.
“It was a lot of pressure.”
They seem far more comfortable now, if the progress shown in Human Performance is a guide.
“I can only see so far ahead and right now I’m thinking about new songs that I’ve written,” he said.
“I never want this band to be going through the motions.
“It’s been hard at certain times, but it’s never been boring to me.”
The band is in town next month for the inaugural Falls Downtown, their third visit to WA.
Savage joked he was hoping for a slightly better reception from the press after last year’s PIAF gig.
“I remember thinking it was an amazing show, and the review in the paper (The West Australian) totally panned us.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Falls Downtown
Where: Fremantle
When: January 7-8
Tickets: www.fallsfestival.com