What do you get when folk, reggae, rock, classical, some fundamentals of hip hop and expressive vocals are fused together? You get the John Butler Trio (JBT).
In 1998, JBT originated in Australia with just one member, John Butler. By 2004, Butler collaborated with different bass players and drummers. Currently Butler is recording and performing with bass player Shannon Birchall and drummer Michael Baker.
In their native Australia, JBT is much admired among their Australian fans. Their recent album release, Sunrise Over Sea, debuted at number one and has recently gone triple platinum. "Sunrise Over Sea," the single, lingered at the number one spot on the Australian Record Industry Association Charts after seventeen weeks and won song of the year. These achievements are the highest ever received by independent artists, which is especially impressive for an unsigned band.
The Aussies remained independent artists for about six years before signing their contract with Java Records in July 2004. It has been only a couple of months since JBT hit the music scene, since their release of Sunrise Over Sea earlier this year. They are like a nonstop power house. The What You Want EP was recently released Aug. 24, 2004 to give a little taste of what to expect next year when the full-length album is released in the spring of 2005.
"What You Want" EP is very easy listening. It is music you can mellow out or dance to. After listening to it, one would want more. The drums were rhythmic at times and the way John Butler played his guitar was almost mesmerizing.
The very first song on What You Want, "What You Want," has more of a rock sound than anything. The song is about finding companionship and never having to be alone. The song begins with strong string instruments, then blends into guitars and drums and ends with strong string instruments. It is an exceptional song that is a great opening to the album.
"Across the Universe" is a very inspirational song that every album needs. It has a 70s classic rock sound. This song expresses how great life is and how all the natural elements of the universe can be enjoyable. Despite all the obstacles, life presses on. The chorus includes, "Nothing's going to change my world, nothings going to change my world, nothing's going to change my world, nothing's going to change my world." The chorus practically speaks for itself.
The last song on the EP, "Betterman," is a live performance at the Max Sessions in Australia. "Betterman" was originally on the "Sunrise Over Sea" album. It is very upbeat and has a folk/rock sound. Each band member has their own remarkable solo that shows their talent. This song makes you nod your head to the rhythm at first and eventually you start to move your whole body until you are full out dancing and then you are back to head nodding. It has many slopes and breaks into different melodies. "Betterman" Live is one rollercoaster ride.
I give this album a B because the other three songs on the EP are decent, but "What You Want," "Across the Universe" and "Betterman" really stand out. This album is definitely worth twenty bucks when the full-length version is released in spring of 2005.
JBT is currently touring the United States. The tour started Aug.15 at the Rocky Mountain Festival in Lyons, CO and ends at Schuba's in Chicago on Oct. 7. For more information on JBT, visit their website, www.johnbutlertrio.com. Expect to see more incomparable work from JBT in the future.
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