Lorna Irvine reviews someone who 'is the real deal'.
Melbourne-based Courtney Barnett is unique. Grungy guitars are offset by her brilliant lyrics, which are as erudite as they are cheeky.
Often furious, occasionally contemplative, she comes on like a female counterpoint to singers like Jonathan Richman or Lou Reed, who half-speak, half-sing wry, vivid stories to driving rhythms.
‘Pedestrian At Best’ sees her "having an existential crisis" and sounds like a twenty-something meltdown, but she's most interesting when mired in introspection, as in ‘Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go to the Party’ or ‘Small Poppies’. It's as if sarcastic but vulnerable Darlene from Roseanne grew up and formed a band. She's hilarious: whip-smart, yet touching.
Let the hipsters worry about their hair and Urban Outfitters t-shirts, Barnett is the real deal.
Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit is out now on Milk records.
Pedestrian At Best - Courtney Barnett: http://youtu.be/o-nr1nNC3ds
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