April UprisingJOHN BUTLER TRIO

April Uprising

[ATO]

April Uprising represents something of a reboot for Australian singer-songwriter John Butler. After taking part in an Australian TV series that helped him trace his family roots, the hotshot guitarist discovered a strand of revolutionaries in his Bulgarian past. That revelation, coupled with a new rhythm section of bassist Byron Luiters and drummer Nicky Bomba, adds a palpable sense of discovery and urgency to this collection. The anthemic opener “Revolution” is a kinetic broadside against today’s social and political ills. “One Way Road” percolates with a driving rhythm section and quick syncopated vocals, and “C’mon Now” relies on a thumping tom-tom attack by Bomba. With his sparkling guitar work and well-sharpened writer’s pen, Butler demonstrates a newfound sense of mission. Right down to the lovely acoustic finale, “A Star Is Born,” April Uprising is a tour de force by an artist who should by rights have a wider audience.

–BC

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