COURTNEY BARNETT | LIVE REVIEW
Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Thurs 18 Nov
Aussie singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett has definitely stamped herself as a leading figure on the indie scene over the last seven years. Cultivating a devoted fanbase with beautifully constructed melodies that draws you into her deeply personal and relatable lyrics, Barnett has been packing out venues across the UK touring her new record Tell Me How You Really Think.
The intimate mood of the night was set by a darkly light stage with bursts of red illuminating the band, which felt like a nightclub in a David Lynch film. A very fitting vibe as Barnett opened her set with the heartfelt Hopefulessness, slowly clanging guitar generating a melancholic pulse throughout the venue. The gloomy mood shifted, though, as the crowd erupted in cheers as the intro to Avant Gardener – Barnett’s first hit – rang out.
Her deadpan delivery of emotionally raw lyrics draws you into her mind and prompts you to make comparisons to your own life – a big reason, I think, why she’s cultivated a diehard, and indeed international, fanbase. The band, comprising bassist Bones Sloane, drummer Dave Mudie and keyboardist Katie Harkin, are incredibly tight; instrumentation moves effortlessly from an intimate, lonely sound to big, fuzzy rockouts. Songs like Nameless, Faceless, I’m Not Your Mother, I’m Not Your Bitch and Small Poppies all crunch along with vigorous energy.
Personally, the highlight of the night was a cover of fellow Aussies The Go-Betweens’ Streets Of Your Town, a track that always seemed to be on the radio during long family drives when I was growing up in Australia. A real unexpected nostalgic moment for me.
Returning to the stage for an intially sombre encore – Gillian Welch cover Everything Is Free and Anonymous Club, a blast through the dynamic track, and perhaps her best-known one, Pedestrina left us in blissful joy.
words and photos JAYDON MARTIN