Courtney Barnett first won us over with the release of her debut album back in 2015. Now heralded as one of the most distinctive artists to emerge from Australia in decades, the indie singer-songwriter deserves your full attention when she touches down on our shores in August for two all ages gigs at local favourite the Powerstation.
Animating everything she touches with a peerless lyrical genius, one surely unseen since Bob Dylan, there are also notes of the 'stream of consciousness' poetry, perfected by Anne Sexton, to Barnett's songs. Luckily for us, Barnett is much funnier than this latter. She takes on the myriad idiosyncrasies of modern life, lampooning amongst other things our obsession with health, wealth and success, whilst making sure to tie everything back to the personal and quotidian. For example, 'Nameless Faceless' expresses the all-too-seasonable horrors of internet trolling, and ever-popular 'Depreston', touches on an issue close to many an Aucklander's heart, the housing crisis. Finally, in case you're left in any doubt, Barnett is also an amazing guitarist, tearing up the stage with left-handed virtuosity, in the tradition of some of the best (Hendrix, McCartney).
In search of something to keep your ears happy until August? Barnett will be dropping a new album, aptly entitled Tell Me How You Really Feel, on 18 May. What's more, there's a gorgeous lineup of singles from this, her second solo album, already available on your favourite streaming service.