More about: Courtney Barnett

From day one, Courtney Barnett has been challenging listeners with her overly apathetic affectation. Using trusty garage rock formulas that accompany her dry observations about everyday life, Barnett has since become one of indie rock’s most respected voices of the last decade. 

Things Take Time, Take Time is more tender and sentimental than Barnett’s previous records, which some listeners may find jarring against her specific vocal delivery. Sometimes, this matter-of-fact tone produces lines that’ll quietly strike you: “I lay awake and wonder why/I pray for rain, and angels cry", Barnett wonders on ‘If I Don’t Hear From You Tonight’. 

Other times, Barnett’s vocals worsen when paired with overly plain, bland lyricism, especially in ‘Here’s The Thing’: “I don’t know what to say/You’re so far away/I don’t want to be alone”. Although she tries to play it off as some simple, solemn statement, Barnett’s indifferent singing style makes it seem like pre-teen poetry instead.  

Nevertheless, there’s still something hopeful and sweet about this record, even if it’s easy to see why people would lose patience very quickly with it. Perhaps it’s the straightforward optimism on ‘Take It Day By Day’, or the dusky calm of ‘Sunfair Sundown’. Either way, Things Take Time, Take Time is a record that warrants sitting on the verandah in the cool summer air, listening to Barnett soundtrack your memories of peace and happiness.

Things Take Time, Take Time arrives 12 Novemver via Marathon Artists.

More about: Courtney Barnett