This Sunday, Courtney Barnett made her way to Ventura Music Hall for a sold out performance of her End Of the Day tour. The evening was split into two sets, the first being a 17 instrumental set with Stella Mozgawa. Originally composed for her documentary, Anonymous Club, this duo didn’t miss a beat. This 30 minute score had no breaks, allowing every audience member the ability to fully transcend with Barnett on the electric guitar, and Mozgawa on the synthesizer.

Their ability to create a complete ambient soundscape was unlike anything we’ve seen from Barnett’s discography. Keeping their phones tucked away for almost the entirety of the set, this was the most ‘present’ audience I’ve seen all year, which only aided to the immersive atmosphere the two created.

The second half of the set was a collection of Barrett at her finest. Known for her witty yet sincere lyrics that pack a punch all while telling a full story, the intimacy continued as she moved forward with a set of her stripped down ‘greatest hits’. This 8-piece section of the set, followed by an encore of ‘Oh the Night’, from her 2021 release, Things Take Time, Take Time, remained personable and intimate as fans began to sing along.

With only a single guitar on stage, this allowed Barnett’s unmatched lyricism to shine, almost allowing fans a glimpse into her mind. Pulling selections from her 2015 debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, we were able to see just how ‘spot-on’ her work has been from the very start.

Courtney Barnett is consistently one of our favorite standout artists and their live shows are transcedent in terms of instrumentation and live stage presence. We’ve got a lovely photo gallery below so that everyone can get a glimpse of what they may have missed at the show. Don’t miss out!

Review & Photos by: Jenna Houchin

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