‘I cherish my intercontinental friendships…’ Australian indie-rock sensation Courtney Barnett croons on ‘Continental Breakfast’ – moments later American spacey-rock sensation Kurt Vile adds, ‘Somewhere on the sphere around here.’ It’s a song that aptly transports the listener into the bond between musicians whose respective lives are lived on opposite sides of the world, but who share absurd experiences of fame and life on the road.

The process of writing Lotta Sea Lice began when Vile wrote a song with Barnett’s voice in mind. An email exchange ensued, followed by an exchange of songs, and thus began the low-key collaboration that would become a record comprised of covers and originals. Thoughtful instrumentation, paired with Vile’s trademark laconic delivery and Barnett’s wry observations, give the album a hazy summery atmosphere. Moments in Lotta Sea Lice have shades of Neil Young’s Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere and Blood on the Tracks-era Bob Dylan, especially on ‘Untogether’, a wistful but sardonic heartbreak song delivered on a wave of slide guitar. Standout tracks are ‘She’s so Easy’ and a brilliant cover of Jen Cloher’s ‘Fear Is Like a Forest’ – a tense and haunting interpretation that diversifies the tone of this otherwise overly cruisy record.

Along with contributions from Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney), Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) and Rob Laakso (Swirlies and The Violators), Jim White and Mick Turner, this collaboration between Vile and Barnett just makes perfect sense. These nine songs demonstrate their strength to move within their wheelhouse – deadpan storytelling, witty streams of conciousness, prodigious guitar playing, and effortlessly well-crafted rock songs.

Pia Spreadborough works as a bookseller at Readings Carlton.