Courtney Barnett has electric return to Palace Theatre

Courtney Barnett took over the Palace Theatre on May 16th for the Creature of Habit tour, and the energy in the room was spot on. She wasted no time, opening the set with a smile and her new single “Stay in Your Lane,” which was dialed in and sounded great. The atmosphere at the Palace Theatre was a nice mix of local warmth and high-octane rock at times.

Musically, the night swung between extremes. One moment the band was leaning into a buzzing, heavy grunge sound, and the next they were floating through light, melodic pop. Courtney channeled a Kurt Cobain-like energy at times with head down, hair in her face, swinging her Telecaster with authentic intensity.

The setlist was well-paced and I especially enjoyed the first half of the show. “Mantis” and “Site Unseen” were highlights that showed off her range, but “Sugar Plum” from Creature of Habit was another winner. It was a perfect snapshot of what she does best: mixing her voice of storytelling with swinging guitar hooks that are incredibly catchy. Seeing Courtney Barnett at the Palace Theatre was a treat.