“Sorry about that, I just needed a lie down” Courtney Barnett declares after playing the end of a song lying on her back for a couple minutes. Tonight is the second of two headline shows at Electric Ballroom, a considerable feat for a musician that just became known outside of her native Australia roughly a year ago.
Courtney Barnett at Electric Ballroom – April 10, 2015 (Rachel Lipsitz)
The audience in the front few rows adores her as much as you’d expect, frequently yelling out her name and “I love you!” but the singalong and clap-along that ensues during the sweetly downbeat Depreston is surprising for an album (Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit) that came out less than a month ago and Barnett herself, who seems slightly taken aback, exclaims “You know the words!” when the song is over.
Courtney Barnett at Electric Ballroom – April 10, 2015 (Rachel Lipsitz)
She saves the familiar (to anyone with a passing interest in 6 Music) Avant Gardener and History Eraser for the end with her latest single Pedestrian At Best going down a treat as the finale. What is notable live is that most songs build to a great climax so that by the end, she and bassist Bones Sloane thrash around, creating a great visual counterpoint to her relaxed vocal delivery.
Bones Sloane playing bass with Courtney Barnett at Electric Ballroom – April 10, 2015 (Rachel Lipsitz)
Something this frequent concert-goer has never seen at a gig is a life-size version of the album cover art near the bar, complete with a yellow chair on which fans take turns having their photo taken. This lovely gesture encapsulates Barnett’s approachable version of rock and roll with its relatable themes and ideas.
Courtney Barnett at Electric Ballroom – April 10, 2015 (Rachel Lipsitz)
Photography and Review by Rachel Lipsitz. Courtney Barnett @ Electric Ballroom. London 10th April.
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Rachel also has her own great website here: http://www.littletrousers.com/
Here is the full set here: http://rockshot.photoshelter.com/gallery/Courtney-Barnett/G0000nM0sVIAsSQ0
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