What makes Human Performance by Parquet Courts notable?

Human Performance received widespread critical acclaim, charting in several countries and solidifying Parquet Courts' standing as innovators in the punk rock genre. The album's exploration of themes like alienation and modern life resonated widely, contributing to discussions around the complexities of contemporary existence and earning a spot on numerous year-end lists. Released on April 8, 2016, Human Performance is Parquet Courts' fifth studio album. Following their critically acclaimed record Sunbathing Animal, this album showcases the band's evolution into more intricate songwriting and diverse musical influences at a time when they were gaining significant traction in the indie rock scene.

How many songs are on Human Performance?

Human Performance has 13 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Human Performance

Parquet Courts · 2016

42 min · 13 tracks · punk rock

Dynamic punk rhythms intertwine with art rock sensibilities, creating a sound that's both urgent and introspective.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Human Performance — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of existential themes through a blend of driving rhythms and reflective lyrics, serving as a microcosm of its overall message.
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Dust — Opening with a haunting melody, Dust sets the tone for the album’s introspective journey, reflecting on fleeting moments with an urgency that captures the listener's attention.
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Two Dead Cops — This track tackles social and political commentary with pointed lyrics over a raw, energetic backdrop, marking a bold statement within the album that resonates with current societal issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends punk energy with art rock complexity, showcasing strong songwriting and diverse arrangements.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a brisk tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.
Several songs incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, creating a varied vocal texture.
The instrumentation frequently shifts between driving punk rhythms and more intricate, layered arrangements, particularly in the guitar work.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Dust 3:57
2 Human Performance 4:15
3 Outside 1:45
4 I Was Just Here 1:48
5 Paraphrased 3:01
6 Captive of the Sun 2:03
7 Steady on My Mind 3:38
8 One Man No City 6:24
9 Berlin Got Blurry 3:26
10 Keep It Even 2:47
11 Two Dead Cops 3:05
12 Pathos Prairie 2:51
13 It’s Gonna Happen 3:20

What to play next

Listen next

Milano

2017

Go back to

Content Nausea

2014

Full Parquet Courts discography Artists like Parquet Courts

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