More than a decade ago, John Butler stormed Australia’s charts and airwaves with an armoire of almost old-sounding anthems next to the maximalist pop that shared public attention. With turbo-huge country and folk having become hot currency since, how does Butler fare as less of a novelty? Beautifully.
Home isn’t a radical new direction so much as a refreshing change of course. The Trio feel newly confident as they range from wistful folk (Just Call) to driving rock jams (Running Away, Wade in the Water) to sublime alt-country (Coffee, Methadone & Cigarettes) and even electronic balladry (Brown Eyed Bird). But wherever it goes, it’s tied together by Butler’s knack for finding the hook.
Home is out September 28 via MGM.
