Artist John Butler Trio

Australia-based John Butler Trio—headed by vocalist-guitarist John Butler—plays high-energy roots-rock that meanders from politicized folk to funk to jazz to jam, which admittedly sounds like it would get a bit convoluted. But Butler has a steady hand when it comes to arrangement, and last year’s April Uprising is a surprisingly rollicking effort that comes off as much more straightforward (and catchy) than would be expected. Having spent a year playing the songs of April Uprising with the newest members of his namesake trio—bassist Byron Luiters and drummer Nicky Bomba—expect Butler to start digging deep into the pocket.

Updated 07/20/2011