COURTNEY BARNETT BRINGS HER CREATURE OF HABIT TOUR TO A SOLD OUT HUXLEY’S IN BERLIN
Written and Captured By | Chantal Burau
Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett brought her Creature of Habit tour to Berlin’s Neukölln district, performing to a sold-out crowd at Huxley’s Neue Welt. Before the indie-rock artist took the stage, fellow Australians Body Type warmed up the audience with an energetic performance that set the tone for an unforgettable evening of live music.
The Sydney-based quartet delivered what they describe as scuzz-rock, combining a raw, fuzzy guitar sound with catchy melodies and infectious garage-rock rhythms. Their dynamic set quickly drew the crowd in, encouraging concertgoers to sway, dance, and sing along. With their energetic stage presence and melodic approach, Body Type demonstrated exactly why their live performances have earned them praise. By the time their set came to an end, the venue was already packed, leaving little doubt that the evening’s show was completely sold out.
After the opening act, anticipation continued to build as the music faded, the lights went dark, and the audience waited for the headliner. It did not take long for Courtney Barnett and her band to appear onstage, immediately greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Opening with “Stay in Your Lane,” Barnett wasted no time establishing the mood for the night, launching into a set that maintained its momentum from beginning to end.
Throughout the performance, Barnett captivated the audience with her distinctive vocals, sharp guitar work, and characteristic blend of wit, introspection, and compelling storytelling. Songs such as “Avant Gardener” and “Another Beautiful Day” brought the crowd to life, highlighting the perceptive songwriting and driving musical arrangements that have become hallmarks of her work. Her ability to balance thoughtful lyrics with powerful indie-rock energy was evident throughout the show.
Although the stage initially appeared somewhat spacious with Barnett accompanied only by a drummer and bassist, the stripped-back lineup proved more than sufficient. She commanded the room with ease, filling the venue with her presence, expressive vocals, and forceful guitar riffs. A carefully designed light show complemented the performance, adding atmosphere without distracting from the music itself.
The setlist moved seamlessly between material from her latest full-length album, Creature of Habit, and familiar favorites from earlier in her career. Songs such as “Site Unseen” and “Mantis” showcased the album’s themes of hard-won optimism, inner turmoil, and emotional openness. Meanwhile, older tracks, including the much-loved “Depreston,” offered longtime fans a welcome opportunity to reconnect with some of Barnett’s most celebrated songwriting.
With a set lasting almost two hours, Barnett gave the sold-out audience plenty of reasons to leave satisfied. The evening showcased not only her ability to deliver a compelling live performance but also the enduring appeal of her honest, observant, and guitar-driven approach to music.
For the finale, Barnett brought the night to an emphatic close with “Pedestrian at Best” and “Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party.” Both songs gave the audience one final opportunity to sing, dance, and throw themselves into the music. Ending on such a high note, Barnett left Huxley’s Neue Welt having delivered a memorable Berlin performance that lived up to the anticipation surrounding her Creature of Habit tour.