Two years after their American debut, Sunrise Over Sea, Australia's John Butler Trio have a new disc of well crafted, socially minded, folk rock with touches of steel guitar, organ and even didgerydoo. The former American frontman Butler shuffles a blend of party tunes ("Used To Get High, "Daniella") with the more politically astute (especially on "Gov Did Nothing") and a bit of positive vibrations in the form of the first single, "Better Than."

Butler has a solid grasp of melody and a soulful vocal delivery and even though the bands' sound could be considered conventional in comparison to Dave Matthews or Ben Harper, his bouncier pop numbers and country touches provide plenty of distinction. Even though the lyrics could use some revamping to bring them beyond some of the neo hippy conventions.

There is a tendency to lump similar artists into the postulated directory of "Jam Bands" with Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Built To Spill, Widespread Panic, Umphrey's Mcgee, Ben Harper and the like. In the case of JBT this is true insofar as their sense of honest musicianship and proficiency in the live setting, as opposed to the more studio crafted alt rock or simple three chord punk derived bands. Then again they bring a unique political sensibility to the table, which sets them apart. Musically, however, these guys
proved themselves touring with Dave Matthews and maybe with a few more good
singles, he can seduce the American market.