Courtney Barnett - The Lyrical and Guitar Genius comes to Sunderland
- 35 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Courtney Barnett graced the stage at Sunderland’s Independent on Sunday 29 March as part of a small UK run celebrating her newly released album, Creature of Habit. Known for favouring intimate venues, Barnett once again proved why these settings suit her best—her Aussie quick wit, dry humour and storytelling filling the room with ease.
With no support act to warm up the crowd, Barnett took to the stage earlier than expected—an appreciated eight thirty start on a Sunday night—to a sold-out room ready and waiting. She wasted no time, launching straight into the set.
The performance leaned heavily into Creature of Habit, a record that feels more reflective and personal than much of her earlier work. It’s guitar-driven and deeply intimate, often giving the impression that the audience is watching Barnett think out loud with her guitar rather than simply perform. Alongside the new material, fan favourites like “Depreston,” “Before You Gotta Go,” and my personal favorite "Pedestrian at Best” were mixed effortlessly through the set and received passionately by the audience.
This show was never going to be a spectacle—and it didn’t need to be. Barnett’s strength lies within the raw vocals and the band as a whole, who played with a unity that made each song feel fluid. Rather than spotlighting individual moments, the performance flowed as a collective, with groove after groove mesmerising the audience.
For the encore, a playful moment arrived as Barnett returned to the stage wearing Sunderland’s famous red and white stripes —a surprise that delighted most of the crowd. Though it wasn't hard to find the Newcastle or other football fans in the crowd - me included - though everyone remained respectful.
Ultimately, this was a special show. The intimacy of Independent perfectly complemented Barnett’s vocals while amplifying the warmth and grit of the guitars. It felt less like a gig and more like a shared experience—one that those in the room will likely be talking about for years to come.
Creature of Habit is available everywhere now.
Article by Neave Farry