Roots artist starts branching out

Since the turn of the century, Australian singer-songwriter John Butler has been one of the most talented roots-rock artists in the music scene. After starting his career as a busker in Perth, Butler began to make a name for himself in the Australian music scene as the lead singer and guitarist of the John Butler Trio. What followed was an impressive run of success, as the group’s first four studio albums all went platinum in their native land. The more recent years have produced several lineup changes, but Butler’s deft songwriting has helped keep the band popular down under. Now, nearly twenty years since the group’s initial formation, a new album has arrived, titled Home.

Upon first reactions, Home does a good job continuing the soulful sound the trio have taken years to perfect. But it also does a solid job mixing in more modern elements, such as extra distortion on the guitars, a few programmed electronic beats and Imagine Dragons’ signature stadium-level reverb.

There’s something for everyone on Home. Fans of fuzzy Southern rock will fall hard for the album’s best track, “Wade In The Water.” Fans looking for more acoustic fingerpicking and banjo work, there’s the bouncy “Just Call” or the sprawling and gorgeous “Coffee, Methadone, and Cigarettes.” And for those who have been eagerly awaiting the modern production, there’s a myriad of fun options, from the eerie dubstep programming of lead single “Home” or the wistful ballad “Miss Your Love.” But the album’s most wonderfully confusing track is “Brown Eyed Bird,” which bounces back and forth between distant pop production and the album’s most aggressive banjo. Tying everything together are Butler’s strong vocals and his ear for slick country harmonies.

Unfortunately, Home is not above criticism. Usually, the album’s electronic brushes are done tastefully and fit in well with the songs, but a couple times they overpower the other elements of the music. Butler is obviously an extremely talented writer and guitar player, and the good moments far outweigh the bad, but if he wants to keep going down the electronic road, he’ll have to adjust his songwriting accordingly. Since he’s done so well in many styles over his long career, there’s no reason to think he won’t be able to.