An Australian singer-songwriter, Courtney Barnett made her debut this march with the album Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit. But after having already released a 2014 EP (the fabulously titled The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas), Barnett’s sound is slickly polished and radio-ready.
With hints of psychedelic 60s and 90s grunge-rock, a balanced cocktail of inspirations creates a technically flawless brand of indie-rock. Despite these vintage influences, however, Barnett’s melodies and music remain thoroughly modern. Most contemporary are her lyrics; in ‘Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go To The Party’, she laments that great philosophical query of our generation. ‘I wanna go out, but I wanna stay home’. I feel you, girl.
But Barnett’s works can take a turn for the serious, too. While her lyricism continues to be on point if sparing, other tracks involve more melancholy reflections and reveal a proper poetic streak without labouring the point.
Infused with the same honesty and genuine enthusiasm for musical tradition that shines through on her upbeat numbers, Barnett’s cleverly crafted lyrics play off a rich cocktail of influences to produce melody which listeners of all tastes will find something delightful in. Contemporary while retro, lighthearted while earnest, Courtney Barnett is certainly one to watch.
