The John Butler Trio
Thebarton Theatre
Sun 26 August


You know you're doing something right when you sell out consecutive nights at Thebby. For the second night running, a capacity crowd packed the antiquated floorboards of the Thebarton Theatre to see just what Josh Pyke and the Trio had to offer.

Support artist Pyke impressed the rather restless crowd, playing through numerous hits featured strongly on Triple J over the past months. His acoustic style kept the crowd amused, but it was clear his performance was underappreciated by some of the restless audience, who seemed more intent on well-strategised missions to seek amber fluid than the music itself. It was however a quality performance, not to be undermined by audience disquiet. The familiar sounds of Middle Of The Hill and Memories And Dust were well received by those perspicacious enough to appreciate a quality performance.

Illuminated by a series of floating lanterns, Butler, Barker and Birchall took the stage amidst a welcome of epic proportions. They launched into the set with passion and fury. Butler's flying fingers played mercilessly upon his steel stringed dobro as he produced another of the epic performances for which he has become reknowned. Barker and Birchall were equally impressive on their respective instruments and it seems Butler has found a combination able to match his intensity and aptitude.

Older songs were intertwined with tracks from the new album, a smorgasbord that seemed to please the audience greatly. An epic rendition of Oceans was accompanied by an enchanting visual slideshow. The hauntingly sad strings in Caroline were enough to send a chill up the spine of even the hardest fan. Gov Did Nothing was delivered against a background of politically charged images, featuring pictures of George Bush and John Howard, amongst a myriad of others. Whilst it was a poignant display, the images were almost a little tacky and somewhat detracted from a song where the powerful lyrics are enough to convey the required message. Captivation turned to exaltation as the trio launched into the upbeat Zebra and Treat Yo Mama.

The set was concluded with instrumental solos, further highlighting the immense talents of bassist Shannon Birchall and percussionist Michael Barker. As much as I am usually opposed to requisite encores, the Trio's encore was the highlight of the night. It appeared the energy and passion that had been slightly repressed during the main performance was uninhibitedly unleashed and finally the passion for which Butler has become renowned shone through. Peaches was played with a haunting beauty that managed to silence the boisterous crowd, and the set was concluded by a cheekily grinning Butler's enlivening rendition of Funky Tonight.

Suzi Gunn

Pix: Andrew Stace