Fresh from a brilliant collaboration with Kurt Vile, Melbourne’s iconic Courtney Barnett is not resting on her laurels. She has just announced details of a new album entitled ‘Tell Me How You Really Feel’ for release on 18 May through Marathon Artists/Milk! Records as well as releasing a video for a new single, “Nameless/Faceless”.
“Nameless/Faceless” is undeniably classic Barnett yet displays an evolution at the same time: far more intricate and multilayered while maintaining her classic droll delivery. The lyrics are eviscerating: delivering a scathing retort to keyboard warriors and internet trolls of the world while defiantly calling for the empowerment of women.The chorus borrows from a famous Margaret Atwood quote “I want to walk through the park in the dark / Men are scared that women will laugh at them / I want to walk through the park in the dark / Women are scared that men will kill them / I hold my keys between my fingers”.
It is a chilling critique of the world Barnett inhabits, yet maintains her laconic dry wit through the anger. It is the sound of Barnett bettering her detractors and in the process delivering her best song yet.
The accompanying video is appropriately expressive and anarchic:
You can preorder “Tell Me How You Really feel” here and the track listing for the new album is:
Hopefulessness
City Looks Pretty
Charity
Need a Little Time
Nameless, Faceless
I’m Not Your Mother, I’m Not Your Bitch
Crippling Self Doubt and a General Lack of Self-Confidence
Help Your Self
Walkin’ on Eggshells
Sunday Roast
Barnett is also touring throughout the US and the UK in May, June and July: details and tickets can be found here.
