Cam Butler by Cam Butler (Review)

Cam Butler’s self-titled EP shows that folks from “down under” certainly know their way around western film music.
Self-Titled, Cam Butler

The Proposition proved, beyond any shadow of doubt, that Australians know their way around the western film genre. And Cam Butler’s self-titled EP shows that folks from “down under” certainly know their way around western film music, particularly the cinematic scores of Ennio Morricone.

It’s tempting to imagine that Cam Butler (who also plays in Silver Ray) composed these four songs while wandering about the barren, blasted beauty of the Outback with nothing but a sleep roll and a weatherbeaten poncho to his name, and only his horse and the ghost of Sergio Leone to keep him company.

That would all certainly explain the way in which “Today, Troubles Seem Far Away” bursts forth like the first rays of sun breaking over the horizon, washing over the desert rocks and sand in waves of red, orange, and gold. Not to mention the brooding glory of “So Long Friend,” and how its string arrangements, sparse Les Paul guitars, and skeletal drums conjure up distant, lonely, parched landscapes full of dangerous, desperate men.

Meanwhile, try listening to “Brothers & Sisters,” with its ominous drums and slowly building arrangements, without feeling the sweat run down your face as your trigger finger starts itching for an old-fashioned gunfight at high noon.

This is a truly gorgeous release, instantly captivating from the very first sun-drenched, sand-blasted note — which makes it feel far more sweeping and epic than its twenty-three minutes might indicate otherwise.

Enjoy reading Opus? Want to support my writing? Become a subscriber for just $5/month or $50/year.
Subscribe Today
Return to the Opus homepage