Floating in the ether and drudging in the gutter, Flesh and Blood, the sixth studio offering from Australian rockers The John Butler Trio, is the triumphant maturation of an innately talented group of musicians. John Butler (guitar/vocals), who switches from acoustic finger-picking to electric riff-driving on any given song, says he included his bandmates in the songwriting process, and, well, the result is astounding.
Sometimes labeled as a jam band, The John Butler Trio began sixteen years ago in Fremantle, Australia. Butler has undergone some lineup changes throughout the years, but has accumulated a steady fanbase all the while. About their growth, Butler commented, “A lot of times, I was never in the moment, I was always looking at the next thing. We’d sell venues out and then it would be ‘Let’s take it to the next level.'” With proper support from the music community, Butler was able to sit down with his bandmates and record something collaboraitve.
The result is a personal and deeply relatable album. Butler spoke to this, saying, “I am going through all the same things you are, so don’t put me on a pedestal.”
Flesh and Blood opens with a sweet serenading tune, “Spring To Come,” with beautiful, emotionally-wrought finger-picked melodies from Butler. The song is ethereal, providing an honest feeling of, well, spring to come. Of course, this mood is abruptly ended by the heavy drumbeat and electric guitar tones of the next song, “Livin’ In The City.” From soulful to rockful, Butler jams hard on the album’s second tune. Sounding like something from a Black Keys album, this song rocks. Hard.
Listen to a live version for yourself:
The middle of the album features a couple of “how-could-that-woman-do-this-to-me” type songs, “Bullet Girl” and “Devil Woman.” True to his style, the former is a slow, soulful ballad, while the latter is an upbeat rocker. With excellent musicianship, The John Butler Trio makes both of these songs look easy. “Devil Woman” also features a strong, thumping bassline, the work of Byron Luiters. It’s the type of tune that is sure to encite spontaneous dancing.
All in all, Flesh and Blood is a masterful compilation of compositions by the John Butler Trio. The album reaches its emotional peak at the finale, with “You’re Free.” It’s a slow-moving ballad, with heart-wrenching-break-up-themed lyrics and subtle sustained synthesizers. The drumbeat steadily builds throughout the track, only to drop off and fade to black. A fitting conclusion for a remarkable body of work.
This album is definitely worth the listen. I wouldn’t be surprised if it cracks our Top 10 list… though it is only February!
-David Melamed (@DMelamz)
[Source: www.news.co.au]