Courtney Barnett: Creature of Habit

I always look forward to new music from Courtney Barnett, and her new release, Creature of Habit, delivers more of the fun mix of surfy, punky, sometimes angular and sometimes groovy indie rock, capped with Courtney's signature vocal delivery. Barnett is joined by drummer and co-producer Stella Mozgawa [Tape Op #169 ], and Zach Dawes on bass. Guests include Waxahatchee on the Americana-tinged "Site Unseen".

A first listen might have Creature of Habit seem to be presented as a straightforward rock record, but the excellent bass, guitar, and drum tones paired with some nice sonic additions, and interesting mix elements and treatments make it a joyful listen. It is certainly a "modern" sounding record, but there are loving nods throughout to song arrangements and sonics from some of my favorite bands and records from the '80s. Personal stand out tracks include "Stay in Your Lane", "One Thing At A Time", "Great Advice", and the album's closer "Another Beautiful Day".

The album's ten tracks were produced by John Congleton [# 81], Courtney Barnett, Stella Mozgawa, and Marta Salogni [#153], engineered by John Congleton, Marta Salogni, Rachel White (who will be featured in an upcoming Tape Op interview), and Omar Yakar Jr., was artfully mixed by Congleton, and beautifully mastered by Heba Kadry [#139].