By 2001, John Butler Trio had all the right pieces in place. After establishing themselves in Fremantle, Western Australia and then touring widely with The Waifs and securing radio play for 2000’s JBT EP, the roots act decamped to Melbourne to give their second studio album a hearty promotional push. It worked: Three eventually achieved platinum sales in Australia, won an ARIA for Best Independent Release, and became the band’s first album to earn an American release. And in January of the following year, the radio edit for the eight-minute opening track “Betterman” was voted at No. 5 on triple J’s Hottest 100 poll. It’s easy to see why the album clicked: Three introduced Butler’s scratchy, soulful vocals and bravura guitar playing to a much wider audience, all while showcasing his long-brewing chemistry with bassist Gavin Shoesmith and drummer Jason McGann. Now remastered and including three tracks from the JBT EP, the album still feels like a fresh intersection of jammy folk, earthy blues, and twangy bluegrass. The album also established Butler’s socially conscious streak, as the songwriter laments the fallacy of going to war to maintain peace on “Life Ain’t What It Seems” and reminds us to appreciate life’s small, beautiful moments on “Believe.” By the time a trio of guest singers show to warm the finale of “Betterman” with gospel-esque harmonies, you can tell that something special is happening here.