Nameless, Faceless yet Utterly At Home: Courtney Barnett at the Fox

The night of December 12th at the Fox Theater in Oakland proved a stormy one, both literally and figuratively, as rain relentlessly showered concert-goers while Sunday blues and upcoming finals loomed ominously overhead. Fans filed into the Fox removing hoods and shaking off umbrellas, finding refuge in the homely atmosphere of the historic venue. An ornate rug lined the stage with scattered floor lamps placed among instruments, a scene vaguely reminiscent of a cozy living room.

The crowd awaited eagerly, erupting as Courtney Barnett waltzed on stage, exuding effortless confidence. She began the set with “Avant Gardener,” a tune many knew well off her debut album, The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas (2013). Echoes of fans’ voices rang throughout the space. Barnett was accompanied by bass and drums, contributing to a small and intimate, yet undeniably powerful performance. The flashing strobe lights and sweeping venue proved not too overwhelming, as her full voice grounded and transfixed the audience, leaving us with no choice but to offer her our undivided attention.

Barnett continued with many songs off her latest album, These Things Take Time, Take Time (2021). Despite their recent release, songs such as “If I Don’t Hear From You Tonight,” and “Write A List of Things To Look Forward To,” felt like familiar classics, the audience singing along in harmony as Courtney gracefully swayed and swung her head.

Her lyricism recounted stories laden with wit and humor, yet ringing with nostalgia and heartfelt honesty at several points; she sang to the crowd as if she were an old friend telling tales over dinner. She invited us in to stay for a while, providing sanctuary among the cavernous hall. Her generosity was not without a punch, however, as she made full use of the stage, commanding her lefty guitar alongside her while staggering and head-banging to “Nameless, Faceless.” The staggered lamps pulsed rhythmically, illuminating the stage and casting color across Courtney’s warm smile.

Her capacity to navigate songs of melancholy and tenderness to power-driven and boldly energetic with ease was captivating, delivering songs such as “History Eraser,” immediately following “Rae Street.” She connected with the onlookers, thanking them for sacrificing their time to make it to her show rather than watching the Succession season finale.

Nearing the end of the show, Courtney played, “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party,” from her sophomore album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit (2015). The upbeat bass and driving guitar melodies caused the audience to explode—not a soul was left standing still. The crowd joined in, chanting the repetitive chorus with Courtney, “I wanna go out but I wanna stay home.” She heightened the exuberance of the song with an electrifying guitar solo, and as the crowd took a breath before the next song, I realized Courtney had blurred the boundaries—we were neither out nor at home, because the show was a little of both. She welcomed us into a comforting escape from the worries and rain, offering another home to shed our coats and let stress slip away.

Following a pleading encore, Courtney serenaded the audience with “Before You Gotta Go,” a sweet sendoff to fulfilled fans as they made their merry way into the slippery night.