Courtney Barnett Shreds Through a Midday Set at Just Like Heaven

Under the sun-soaked skies of Pasadena on May 10th, Courtney Barnett proved once again why she’s one of indie rock’s most electrifying performers. Taking the stage for a midday slot at Just Like Heaven Festival, Barnett and her band delivered a raw, high-energy set that felt tailor-made for the festival’s indie-loving crowd.

From the opening chords, the vibe was undeniable: loose, loud, and joyously fuzzed-out. The crowd, a sea of sun-drenched fans with beers in hand and big grins on their faces, was more than ready for what Barnett had in store. She kicked things off with fan-favorite “Avant Gardener,” immediately setting the tone with her signature deadpan delivery and slacker-rock charm.

This wasn’t just a run-through of her hits though — it was a blistering, psychedelic-tinged session of guitar heroics. Barnett absolutely ripped on her guitar, launching into extended jams and fuzzed-out breakdowns that turned songs like “Pedestrian at Best” and “Depreston” into sprawling, immersive experiences. It was garage rock by way of cosmic, sun-baked psychedelia.

The energy never dipped. The band sounded tight but loose in that perfect festival way — precise where it counted, chaotic where it felt good. It was one of those sets where you could feel the band having as much fun as the audience.

Then came the set’s pinnacle: about halfway through, Barnett brought out longtime collaborator and indie-rock journeyman Kurt Vile for a surprise rendition of their duet “Over Everything.” The crowd erupted as the two traded verses, their voices weaving together over chiming, reverb-drenched guitars. It was one of those magic festival moments you can’t plan for — a perfect blend of nostalgia, surprise, and sheer musical chemistry.

While Just Like Heaven’s lineup was packed with heavy hitters, Courtney Barnett’s set stood tall as one of the most exciting, high-energy performances of the day. Equal parts indie anthems and psychedelic rock freakout, it was a reminder of why Barnett remains one of the most vital and underrated forces in modern rock.

If you missed it, you missed one of the weekend’s defining moments. Here’s hoping she and Kurt make that a regular thing.