John Butler: Prism

You know the trajectory of most bands — classic early albums, then a slip into the formulaic. Motörhead never got better than “Overkill” or “Ace of Spades”, the Rolling Stones stopped after “Exile”, U2 just got boring.
But then the unexpected happens: the Stones released “Hackney Diamonds” and U2 “Atom Bomb”. Now, after a run of excellent but predictable music and some fan-only releases, comes this. It’s solo JB — the trio has gone — but hallmark Butler is here: finger-picked guitar, love of life and jam-band feel, but with a warmth and spark possibly not reached since the classic “Sunrise Over Sea”. The groove is deep, enhanced by electronics.
It lays down the standard with opener “Going Solo” (“I need to break out of the fast line into the slo mo”) — could be about a relationship or the band — and it’s got a monster chorus. It’s got a slight eastern feel and a beautiful seventies folk-rock guitar solo. If it’s not “Sunrise” standard, it’s close. “King of California” is next and similarly good, although more reflective.
“Gets No Better”, however, could comfortably pass the “Sunrise” quality bar — a joyous celebration of life with a roots-rock sound and solid beat. “So Sorry” is also decent. Butler’s wife of 25 years, Danielle Caruana, professionally known as Mama Kin, serves as the muse behind Prism’s most obvious singles — and happily, this isn’t one: she stars in the busky “Trippin’ On You”. “The Way Back” feels like vintage Sunrise, just louder and with more electronics.
If Butler has a flaw live, it’s lecturing audiences on the way the world should be run, and closer “Wings to Fly” is essentially a sermon. I’ve got tickets to see him, so maybe I’ll head for the loo at this point, as Butler delivers a state-of-the-world oration featuring angels, junkies and Santa Claus.
If you’ve never heard any Butler, don’t buy this: get “Sunrise Over Sea”, “Three”, “John Butler” and “Living” ahead of this — but if already a fan, this is a welcome return to form.
JMC