"Creature Of Habit" is Courtney Barnett's new album

Courtney Barnett has never been one for dramatic reinvention. After finding her signature laconic indie-rock style on her 2012 debut EP I've Got A Friend Called Emily Ferris, she has largely followed an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy. Even the experimentation of Things Take Time, Take Time has been set aside here in favor of a more familiar sound.

Yet Creature Of Habit is far from static. The title reflects the album’s central theme: Barnett confronting change and pushing beyond her comfort zone. The record follows major shifts in her life, including her move from Melbourne to Los Angeles and the closure of Milk! Records, the label she founded in 2012.

Change and uncertainty dominate the first half of the album. On the post-punk opener Stay In Your Lane, Barnett finds herself trapped in unhealthy cycles, while Mostly Patient and Site Unseen explore hesitation, self-doubt and the desire to move forward. By One Thing At A Time, however, she reaches a turning point, with a soaring guitar solo symbolizing her leap into the unknown.

The songs that follow examine life after that decision. Barnett’s familiar melodic approach remains intact, but her perspective has shifted. On Mantis, she admits feeling “somewhat alien,” while the closing Another Beautiful Day offers renewal and optimism, opening with the words “reborn every morning.”

 

 The message of Barnett’s fourth album is clear: sometimes breaking old patterns is necessary. Creature Of Habit argues that taking a leap of faith is better than remaining stuck in a rut—and the album’s rewarding songs suggest that meaningful growth can be found on the other side of change.