Courtney Barnett
Aug. 11, 2026
The Agora
Cleveland, Ohio
Headline:By Robert McCune
The iconic Opera House; P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way; and Courtney Barnett.
Surely, Australia’s capital city Sydney has more going for it than one instantly identifiable architectural landmark and a “Finding Nemo” reference. But I’d put Barnett right up alongside the city’s other famous daughters (Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts) and sons (Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe) any day.
The 38-year-old singer-songwriter has distinguished herself with her uniquely deadpan lyrical takes on the mundane and mendacities of humanity, life, and suburban sprawl. Since her debut studio album, “Sometimes I Sit And Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit” in 2015, she has released for other records, including this year’s “Creatures Of Habit.”
Her summer tour for the new album crossed the U.S. from Texas to Ohio, and is headed back to the west coast.
On a stop at Cleveland’s The Agora, Barnett was supported by another unique voice in Zoh Amba, whose dueling guitar set featured a lot of distortion and experimentation that at times could be disorienting for anyone expecting something more mainstream.
Barnett’s set, meanwhile, drew heavily from the new album, which she’s described as something of a departure, signaling an overall more upbeat sensation.
This is perhaps no better expressed than in the comparatively peppy “Another Beautiful Day,” which was played for the first time live for this Cleveland crowd. Other tracks on the new record, such as “Sugar Plum” and “Wonder” feature bright, melodic choruses that are eminently singalongable.
Through it all, Barnett’s singular, introspective sound still mystifies.
After all, she’s a creature of habit.
Follow Robert McCune on Instagram (@Every_Thing_After_Photo) and listen to the “Every.Thing.After Podcast” on Spotify.
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