What can you get when you combine one of the most intriguing musicians that appeared in the past few years on Australian independent scene and American rock star who has been doing whatever the hell he wants? It is logical - you get one decent album. The record in question is Lotta See Lice by Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile.
In one moment, it seemed like Kurt is going to rise up and become one of the strongest names in rock music who is basing his music on psychedelic, but something occurred in his development, so he was overshadowed by his colleague Adam and his project The War On Drugs. Still, this does not minimize everything Kurt has done lately, and especially not the collaborative album I am about to review.
Somehow, I am under the impression that Kurt was "forcing" Courtney to lean on his side, so the collection is saturated with songs that are more up his alley. For example, Over Everything sounds like it came off some of his past albums. On the other hand, Courtney had certainly left her mark on the album of duets that, no matter how rare, it makes perfect sense because it's filled with fun material in psychedelic country/folk dressing. Let It Go was composed by Barnett, but you can still feel Kurt's dominant influence. Fear Is Like A Forest sounds like PJ Harvey joined them on recording session, and as the album moves forward we get more casual cool songs that are relying on Courtney factor. The best example is Continental Breakfast, although it sounds like something we heard from Kurt so many times before, with the only difference that this is a duet now. The exception is mirthful Blue Cheese.
Courtney is a beautiful flower who is yet to experience her full blossom, while Kurt is a constant. Interesting idea to make a collaborative effort turned out to be just cute, because it seems like it is more of Kurt Vile record with just a sprinkle of Courtney in it. Lotta See Lice lacks that edgy tone we fell in love with on Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit. Long story short, If you are in love with Barnett, you will enjoy seeing her dive into psychedelic waters, but you will be left with the impression this excursion could have been so much more.
