April in July?

SteveK on the Jon Butler Trio’s April Uprising–

Jon Butler Trio: April Uprising

Launched in March in Australia, the latest from the Jam Band from down under only crossed my desk just over a week ago.  Since then I’ve been listening attentively, if only because I’m not completely sure what to make of ‘April Uprising’, Butler’s 5^th studio album in 12 years.

The 15 tracks are all enjoyable, but ‘April Uprising’ feels uneven, somehow.  From one song to the next, Butler and his ensemble change musical styles and thematics.  While this demonstrates the trio’s versatility, it also leaves this album without any real sense of cohesion.

The songs on here run the gamut from the contemplative “Revolution” to the infectious and energetic “Come On Now”, to Folksy Bluegrass, on “Ragged Mile”.  There’s even a Hip-Hop infused track, “Don’t Wanna See Your Face”.  My personal favourite on the album is the closer, “A Star Is Born”, a love ballad from new father Butler to his newborn son.

Taken individually, the music here is capably produced and enjoyable, even if they don’t quite work well enough together as an album.  The music here is nevertheless worth your while.

The John Butler Trio: April Uprising

ATO Records

Steve’s Rating: 7/10

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