The John Butler trio delivers spring break soundtrack
Bill Rodgers
Issue date: 2/22/05 Section: ae
I'm pretty excited I've found the soundtrack for my spring break. Lava records just sent over "Sunrise Over Sea" by The John Butler Trio, Australia's mega-popular folk-rock band.
Fans of bands like O.A.R. and the Dave Matthews Band will probably like Butler's earthy, soulful and chill mix of acoustic jam songs. "Sunrise Over Sea," the trio's first full-length release in America, features 14 songs that blend blues, reggae, classic country, funk and rock. Tying the entire album together is Butler's fantastic guitar playing and gritty, but very melodic vocals.
The final product is a collection of smooth, rocking and mellow sounds that create an atmosphere that's just cool.
The goateed and dreadlocked John Butler originally got his start playing guitar on the streets of Freemantle, Australia. He scraped cash together by selling cassettes of himself playing guitar. Before long, he began selling out gigs at local bars and clubs.
From there, his career evolved into a hugely successful monster. Butler kept his band independently produced, released and funded and his albums were met with plenty of fanfare in Australia. His new album went double-platinum in his home country, debuting at No. 1 on Aussie Charts, a first for an independent artist.
He cleaned up at the Australian version of the Grammy's, taking home the awards for "Best Male Artist," "Best Indie Release," and "Best Blues & Roots Album." His band recently turned their attention to the United States. The trio first made news over here through their EP release of "What You Want," that featured six songs, some of which are on the new CD.
"Sunrise Over Sea" is full of good tracks. The opening "Treat Yo' Mamma" starts the disc off with a funk rock country vibe before advancing to the quiet, soft "Peaches and Cream," a love song Butler wrote for his wife and baby daughter. The CD moves to "Betterman" a sweet jam song and fan favorite.
Also featured are unique tracks such as "What You Want" that opens with a warm, lush string section. There's also "Mist," a really fast Celtic guitar jam, backed by some low-end rippling drums.
Fans of bands like O.A.R. and the Dave Matthews Band will probably like Butler's earthy, soulful and chill mix of acoustic jam songs. "Sunrise Over Sea," the trio's first full-length release in America, features 14 songs that blend blues, reggae, classic country, funk and rock. Tying the entire album together is Butler's fantastic guitar playing and gritty, but very melodic vocals.
The final product is a collection of smooth, rocking and mellow sounds that create an atmosphere that's just cool.
The goateed and dreadlocked John Butler originally got his start playing guitar on the streets of Freemantle, Australia. He scraped cash together by selling cassettes of himself playing guitar. Before long, he began selling out gigs at local bars and clubs.
From there, his career evolved into a hugely successful monster. Butler kept his band independently produced, released and funded and his albums were met with plenty of fanfare in Australia. His new album went double-platinum in his home country, debuting at No. 1 on Aussie Charts, a first for an independent artist.
He cleaned up at the Australian version of the Grammy's, taking home the awards for "Best Male Artist," "Best Indie Release," and "Best Blues & Roots Album." His band recently turned their attention to the United States. The trio first made news over here through their EP release of "What You Want," that featured six songs, some of which are on the new CD.
"Sunrise Over Sea" is full of good tracks. The opening "Treat Yo' Mamma" starts the disc off with a funk rock country vibe before advancing to the quiet, soft "Peaches and Cream," a love song Butler wrote for his wife and baby daughter. The CD moves to "Betterman" a sweet jam song and fan favorite.
Also featured are unique tracks such as "What You Want" that opens with a warm, lush string section. There's also "Mist," a really fast Celtic guitar jam, backed by some low-end rippling drums.