Review: Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile
Photo and Review by Deanna Gaudet
October 11, 2017
Although their collaborative album’s release was still days away, Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile’s first full show as a duo was played to a sold-out crowd at San Diego’s House of Blues.
For opening act Jen Cloher, this show was more than just her first show in San Diego; in fact, the Australian native was stepping onto a U.S. stage for the first time, priming the crowd with a selection of poignant pieces. While many of Cloher's studio tracks are full-band affairs, this performance was very much stripped down. Through simple melodies on an acoustic guitar, she shared deeply personal stories of struggle and acceptance. She played one song about the pains of having a famous partner (co-headliner Courtney Barnett) constantly out on the road, and another track about breaking gender barriers as a kid to attain an enlightened sense of self. Standing alone and freely revealing these internal conflicts was an act of solemn and stirring resolve.
Once Vile and Barnett made their home onstage, there was barely time for words. It seemed that, in the interest of letting their long-awaited LP Lotta Sea Lice speak for itself, the set was a flurry of songs without much banter: just Lotta Sea Lice, and a whole lot of talent. Joining the pair onstage were several other accomplished musicians, including acclaimed Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, among others. With the addition of Barnett and Vile’s onstage chemistry, almost sibling-like in its playfulness, the act felt like a true family affair.
While many tracks from Lotta Sea Lice saw their first live performance that night, the duo also presented the audience with their respective original tracks and a few choice covers. Vile’s sonorous, rumbling voice found its home in such tracks as “Life Like This,” while Barnett’s signature deadpan delivery haunted in “Out of the Woodwork.” A cover of one of opener Jen Cloher’s tracks as well as a Belly tune both made their way into the main set, done great justice by the team of musicians.
Despite their focus on the music, the few words that were spoken offered delightful glimpses into the mutual admiration between the two indie guitar icons. Before launching into Barnett’s “Depreston,” Vile took a second to express his fondness for the track. Barnett’s appreciation of Vile’s artistry was apparent in the smiles and laughter they shared onstage.
The band’s reappearance for an encore began with a cover of “Elvis Presley Blues,” a faithful adaptation of the original Gillian Welch track that was revitalized by Barnett’s singing. After, Vile’s hit “Pretty Pimpin” brought about cheers from the crowd of flannel-clad patrons. And after some debate regarding the last song on the written setlist, the band triumphantly closed out the show with Barnett’s rollicking “Avant Gardener.” Barnett and Vile walked off stage with their arms around each other, a beautiful show of their unique artistic relationship.
The first show on a tour is never perfect, but the ease with which Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile, and the rest of their team took it on is a testament to the strength of their bond. One can only imagine that this connection will continue to flourish with each coming show.
Although their collaborative album’s release was still days away, Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile’s first full show as a duo was played to a sold-out crowd at San Diego’s House of Blues.
For opening act Jen Cloher, this show was more than just her first show in San Diego; in fact, the Australian native was stepping onto a U.S. stage for the first time, priming the crowd with a selection of poignant pieces. While many of Cloher's studio tracks are full-band affairs, this performance was very much stripped down. Through simple melodies on an acoustic guitar, she shared deeply personal stories of struggle and acceptance. She played one song about the pains of having a famous partner (co-headliner Courtney Barnett) constantly out on the road, and another track about breaking gender barriers as a kid to attain an enlightened sense of self. Standing alone and freely revealing these internal conflicts was an act of solemn and stirring resolve.
Once Vile and Barnett made their home onstage, there was barely time for words. It seemed that, in the interest of letting their long-awaited LP Lotta Sea Lice speak for itself, the set was a flurry of songs without much banter: just Lotta Sea Lice, and a whole lot of talent. Joining the pair onstage were several other accomplished musicians, including acclaimed Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss, among others. With the addition of Barnett and Vile’s onstage chemistry, almost sibling-like in its playfulness, the act felt like a true family affair.
While many tracks from Lotta Sea Lice saw their first live performance that night, the duo also presented the audience with their respective original tracks and a few choice covers. Vile’s sonorous, rumbling voice found its home in such tracks as “Life Like This,” while Barnett’s signature deadpan delivery haunted in “Out of the Woodwork.” A cover of one of opener Jen Cloher’s tracks as well as a Belly tune both made their way into the main set, done great justice by the team of musicians.
Despite their focus on the music, the few words that were spoken offered delightful glimpses into the mutual admiration between the two indie guitar icons. Before launching into Barnett’s “Depreston,” Vile took a second to express his fondness for the track. Barnett’s appreciation of Vile’s artistry was apparent in the smiles and laughter they shared onstage.
The band’s reappearance for an encore began with a cover of “Elvis Presley Blues,” a faithful adaptation of the original Gillian Welch track that was revitalized by Barnett’s singing. After, Vile’s hit “Pretty Pimpin” brought about cheers from the crowd of flannel-clad patrons. And after some debate regarding the last song on the written setlist, the band triumphantly closed out the show with Barnett’s rollicking “Avant Gardener.” Barnett and Vile walked off stage with their arms around each other, a beautiful show of their unique artistic relationship.
The first show on a tour is never perfect, but the ease with which Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile, and the rest of their team took it on is a testament to the strength of their bond. One can only imagine that this connection will continue to flourish with each coming show.