Courtney Barnett: Glasgow Barrowland, October 2026 (Live review)

Despite having a hardy back catalogue, this year’s Creature of Habit is only Courtney Barnett’s fourth solo album proper. The Sydney born artist’s most recent offering will surely feature heavily in many music fans end of year lists, with her trademark candid lyrics, incandescent guitar solos and endearing charm.

It is Barnett’s first studio album in five years, with the improvised, 2023, instrumental soundtrack End of the Day bridging the gap somewhat. Creature of Habit isn’t just bigger and bolder than her previous output, it’s also arguably the most accessible record to date. There are guest appearances from the legendary Flea, Waxahatchee and even some synth from Floating Points.

‘Stay In Your Lane’ opens tonight’s proceedings, the lead single from Creature of Habit, which was first teased last October. Backed by a catchy scuzzy riff, Barnett’s normally deadpan vocal delivery feels more menacing and is complimented by the backing vocals of bassist Bones Sloane and drummer Stella Mozgawa (of Warpaint fame).

Every guitar solo of the night sees Barnett weave her way to the edge of the stage, thrusting her guitar back and forth like a weapon of choice. For a musician that’s notoriously shy offstage she is full of visceral raw energy on it.

All ten tracks from Creature of Habit are incorporated into tonight’s set amongst a vast number of back catalogue gems. ‘Here is one you can sing-along to’ instructs Barnett as she bursts into the 2015 classic ‘Depreston’. Sure enough the majority of the Barras crowd oblige ‘if you’ve got a spare half a million, you could knock it down and start rebuilding’ they chant in unison.

Barnett’s onstage directions to the audience continue to be matter of fact and she then tells them, ‘this is one to dance to’ before her and her band storm through ‘Pedestrian at Best’. It is the most rocking track of the night and a particular standout as Barnett cries “put me on a pedestal and I’ll only disappoint you”.

Disappoint is something Barnett certainly did not do – it was one of the standout gigs of 2026. 

Courtney Barnett

Photo credit: Gregor Faulds