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9.0
127233
9.0 |
Gigwise
Genius on a tangent
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8.5
127199
8.5 |
Northern Transmissions
Although ‘Sympathy For Life’ is Parquet Courts’ interpretation of a party, the record’s lyrical themes are more contemplative and perhaps not the topics bandied around as soiree small talk
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8.4
127215
8.4 |
Paste Magazine
The NYC quartet capitalize on the critical acclaim of their 2018 breakthrough Wide Awake!
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8.0
127219
8.0 |
The Skinny
After Wide Awake's shift to dance-rock oriented grooves, Sympathy for Life shows Brooklyn post-punks Parquet Courts doubling down
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8.0
127198
8.0 |
NME
With album seven, the cult heroes navigate more garage-rock designed for the dancefloor but also hurtle into unchartered territory
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8.0
127249
8.0 |
Uncut
The sinister slow-burn of "Application Apparatus" and Tom Tom Club-worthy quirk of "Trullo" are further indications of their rude state of health. Print edition only
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8.0
127195
8.0 |
No Ripcord
Following in the footsteps of the group’s breakout album, Sympathy For Life proves more subtle in its efforts to explore new territory
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8.0
127202
8.0 |
Upset
A masterclass in all that Parquet Courts have to offer
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8.0
127205
8.0 |
Mojo
In amongst the jumble of influences, trad indie-guitar Parquet remains: in, say, the early Go-Betweens-y Just Shadows, and the galvanising lyrics of collective consciousness - written pre-pandemic, but wonderfully inspiring for late 2021. Print edition only
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8.0
127206
8.0 |
All Music
Instead of party-starting excitement, the band refracts echoes of Can, Bowie, and the Talking Heads at their most abstract for an album that feels tense and bleary, like a party that's still fun but has burned on for so long that the sun is coming up and things are starting to get weird
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8.0
127210
8.0 |
Dork
A creatively restless band who know how to transform absurdism into something pulsatingly alive
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7.9
127299
7.9 |
Beats Per Minute
Most albums that directly relate to this era in our history will be seen as period pieces from this time, whereas Parquet Courts’ latest album will live on and be heard from an entirely different perspective years down the line; and will be played at future parties
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7.9
127378
7.9 |
Spectrum Culture
It doesn’t have the power of something like Wide Awake!, but the core of what makes a good Parquet Courts album remains
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7.6
127291
7.6 |
Pitchfork
With sincere, resolute songwriting and a more accessible sound, the latest album from the New York quartet feels more suited than ever for the ecstasy of a crowded club
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7.0
127292
7.0 |
PopMatters
Parquet Courts branch out into dance-rock and Madchester textures inspired by the rave’s communal, ecstatic atmosphere on their latest Sympathy for Life
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7.0
127334
7.0 |
Under The Radar
The stunning six-minute closing ballad “Pulcinella” is possibly the most beautiful song Parquet Courts has ever recorded
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7.0
127196
7.0 |
Slant Magazine
Parquet Courts’s Sympathy for Life proves the band is still capable of writing songs that shine in the same no-frills style as their idols
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7.0
127197
7.0 |
Exclaim
Sympathy for Life isn't a failure as much as it's just a step down from the indie rock podium. There's still a lot to admire for longtime Parquet Courts fans here, while the rest just requires some patience and a bit of unconditional love
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7.0
127278
7.0 |
Clash
A project as mystifying at it is engaging
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7.0
127201
7.0 |
DIY
It’s a shame that the band don’t commit to one route or the other
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6.0
127281
6.0 |
musicOMH
There’s still somewhat of an eclectic feel to Sympathy For Life despite its intended dance focus. Yes, it’s different and at times more uplifting than most Parquet Courts albums, but it’s an album for the band, not for the fans
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6.0
127200
6.0 |
Loud And Quiet
Sympathy For Life is bookended with the record’s standout moments, ones that deftly denote maturation in their familiar style
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