Parquet Courts built Human Performance as a record about staying alert, not drifting. Across fourteen tracks, the band moves past the noise-rock edges of their early work toward tighter, sharper songs. The goal is simple: make music that cuts through the noise of daily life, not adds to it.
Already Dead Through Dust
The album opens with “Already Dead,” a short, blunt statement that sets the tone before “Dust” arrives as the first major statement of the record. “Dust” earns its place among the standout tracks, a song that builds its case without losing its focus.
Human Performance Through Outside
“Human Performance” itself follows, a title track that holds the record’s argument together. “Outside” and “I Was Just Here” move fast and stay short, working as bridges rather than destinations.
Paraphrased Through Steady on My Mind
“Paraphrased” and “Captive of the Sun” keep the pace quick. “Steady on My Mind” stands out as one of the record’s strongest moments.
One Man No City Through Berlin Got Blurry
“One Man No City” runs longest on the record at 6:24, a stretch that tests patience before the energy picks back up. “Berlin Got Blurry” and “Keep It Even” return to a tighter, more controlled shape.
Two Dead Cops Through It’s Gonna Happen
“Two Dead Cops” and “Pathos Prairie” sit in the middle of the back half without demanding much attention. “It’s Gonna Happen” closes the album with the kind of force that made it a standout track for reviewers.
The Verdict
Human Performance succeeds because it commits fully to its own argument. The band doesn’t waste time searching for a new sound; it takes the one they’ve built and makes it tighter. The songs that matter — “Dust,” “Steady on My Mind,” “It’s Gonna Happen” — justify the whole record on their own.
Key Facts
– Artist: Parquet Courts
– Album: Human Performance
– Tracks: 14
– Total runtime: 46 minutes
– Metacritic: 82/100
Album Comparison
| Album | Length | Metacritic |
|---|---|---|
| Human Performance | 46 minutes | 82/100 |
| Earlier work | Not specified | Not specified |
The record isn’t perfect. But the best songs here — “Steady on My Mind,” “Dust,” “It’s Gonna Happen” — hold up against anything else the band has done.
- Already Dead3:51
- Dust3:57
- Human Performance4:16
- Outside1:45
- I Was Just Here1:49
- Paraphrased3:01
- Captive of the Sun2:04
- Steady on My Mind3:39
- One Man No City6:24
- Berlin Got Blurry3:26
- Keep It Even2:48
- Two Dead Cops3:06
- Pathos Prairie2:52
- It’s Gonna Happen3:21
