In the 1988 rock film 'Rattle & Hum', U2's bassist Adam Clayton defended his band from critics who said that music and politics were mutually exclusive. 16 years later and while the group is still the biggest in the world, they still have their detractors. Midnight Oil are another band who were constantly told to just shut up and play the music. As the star continues to rise for American born, Australian based roots artist John Butler, he is also faced with the same dilemma: does he stick to his guns and be a voice for a range of worthy causes or does he simply just shut up?

The thing is, what he speaks about is who he is. It's like Justin Timberlake not talking about hot women, it wouldn't be right. Ultimately, as long as he speaks from the heart and the music is of a high quality then who are we to question? On his third full-length album, John Butler and his ever-revolving door Trio (this time it is Bassist Shannon Birchall and brother-in-law Nicky Bomba on the skins) are all about coming from the heart over the 13 songs that make up 'Sunrise Over Sea'.

The preservation of Mother Earth ('Treat Yo Mama', 'There'll Come A Time') and the eradication of big corporation (The wonderful 'Company Sin') are still high on Butler's agenda, but it's the more reflective songs that show he has more to offer than just damning the politicians.

'Hello' deals with a former friend now totally dependant on drugs, warning him that: "Your gonna wind up in the lockup some day." On a lighter note, Butler pays homage to his wife (who sings backup vocals on a handful of songs) and young daughter on the tracks 'Peaches & Cream' and 'Seeing Angels'.

And not unlike Midnight Oil, JBT mature musically with each release. A surprising claim, considering only three songs break the six-minute barrier. Whilst dropping the long jam sessions, as shown on 2001s 'Three', may find some fans playing the sell-out card, it all makes for an album of tight frenetic songs that still have the chance to be expanded in a live setting.

Nicky Bomba's reggae background comes to fore on lead single 'Zebra' and a solid attempt at Appalachian Folk can be heard on the short ditty 'Damned To Hell'. However it is 'What You Want' that stands out from the rest. Sounding like something from the Incubus cannon, this simple rock ballad is layered with some lush string orchestration that will have radio station programmers wetting their pants.

But purists don't be alarmed! 'Sunrise Over Sea', while making some bold moves is not a complete commercial crossover like Springsteen's 'Born In The U.S.A.' or the Dave Matthews Band's 'Everyday'. Butler knows full well how the game works and at the moment he is playing it quite nicely. It's all about giving a little to get a little, and with 'Sunrise Over Sea', Butler deserves all the plaudits that will no doubt come his way.