Review: The Necks at Estonian House, Melbourne, March 12 2019
For more than 30 years, The Necks have been considered one of the best-kept secrets in the world of Australian music. Having first formed back in the late ’80s, this Sydney trio quickly became a live staple, with their experimental jazz sound drawing in fans from all over.
Over the coming decades, their popularity has only continued to grow, with the likes of The New York Times referring to them as “the greatest trio on Earth”. Now, having released released their 20th album, Body, back in 2018, the group recently made their annual return to Australia for a series of highly-anticipated shows.
On Tuesday night though, the group wrapped up their latest visit to Melbourne with the last of three appearances at the Brunswick Music Festival.
Check out The Necks’ ‘Rise’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmg6g4-BIiI
Taking place in the humble Brunswick venue of Estonian House, the quaint nature of the location was in line with the homegrown feel to the Brunswick Music Festival which hosted this event.
Likewise, for locals it was undoubtedly a strange experience to see this usually reserved end of Melville Road hosting a long line of eager music-lovers.
As fans poured into the venue though, they were greeted by the simple setup of a piano, double bass, and drum kit, all perched atop the high stage, leering down as if teasing what was to come in just a matter of minutes.
As 7:30pm rolled around, the lights dimmed and the iconic trio of The Necks took to the stage, ready to kick off a typically amazing performance.
To witness The Necks live is a truly unique experience. Sure, it’s easy to listen to their records, to familiarise yourself with their music. But it’s their legendary live shows – these wholly improvised affairs – that add a whole new layer to the group and the experience that they bring.
As the audience looked on, pianist Chris Abrahams slowly kicked off the band’s first set with a gentle piano melody, slowly and surely making its presence felt before Lloyd Swanton’s double bass interjected with a few bowed notes.
This curious interplay continued on for a handful of minutes, slowly gaining our trust, before drummer Tony Buck entered the mix with the sound of a swelling cymbal.
As Abrahams’ melody turned almost impatient, the trio’s sound soon rose in intensity, descending into a luscious, mesmerising soundscape that was hard to look away from.
At times, the only point of refuge for fans lost in this dazzling array of sound was Abrahams’ melodies, which stood above all else like a beacon in this ocean of noise.
With their respective instruments continuing to ebb and flow in and out of focus, it became clearly apparent to anyone who may have doubted the notion that The Necks are all consummate masters of their craft, serving up a stunning performance for all those lucky enough to be in attendance.
Check out The Necks’ ‘Overhear’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lbOKvNatwo
Following a short intermission, The Necks again returned to the stage to perform their second set of the night. Traditionally, the band’s opening set is a more subdued, or “peaceful” affair, while their second set tends to be somewhat more experimental and intense.
Of course, tonight was no exception.
With Lloyd Swanton breaking the silence thanks to a rhythmic bassline, Tony Buck complemented this with the sparse addition of cymbals between each measure. Soon, the lonesome piano sound of Chris Abrahams joined in, as eerie creaking sounds also entered the mixture.
Already, it was clear that this opening portion of the set was a far more melodic experience than their first, though the addition of atmospheric sounds and Buck’s unorthodox (yet phenomenal) percussion turned this set into a riveting, almost esoteric affair.
Soon though, the beauty of a gig by The Necks was made clear. As the group continued, it almost felt as if each and every member was doing something completely seperate to the other. Abrahams’ jazz-like melodies were in stark contract to Buck’s rhythms, while Lloyd Swanton’s bass notes seemed out of place.
However, this was just the false sense of security the band were trying to evoke, because within mere moments, these almost contradictory sounds joined together to bring about a sound so focused and resolute that it’s hard to believe this singular moment wasn’t the product of years of planning.
As this continued, The Necks’ sound gave way to that of a deafening roar, with crashing drums, frenetic bass, and rapid-fire melodies raising the energy up about five notches past our comfort zones.
As the audience soon began to catch their breath, the group’s frantic sounds slowly fell away, with each member stripping back their playing until we were left with just sparse notes, and eventually, silence.
We had just witnessed the glory of The Necks, and it was clear that this was an experience no one would soon forget.
Check out The Necks’ ‘Blue Mountain’:
https://youtu.be/tmg6g4-BIiI
While it goes without saying that a performance from a band such as The Necks is not for everyone, their live shows are the epitome of a unique experience. With each and every show being an improvised affair, it’s hard to ever imagine what is in store before seeing them perform live.
However, in spite – or maybe because of – this unpredictability, The Necks have managed to amass a well-deserved cult following the world over. Though it’s hardly a surprise, with a trio of musicians this talented dedicated to their craft, it’s hard to believe they are not quite the household names that they should be.
Though, if that were the case, it would just make it all the more difficult to procure tickets to go and see this phenomenal act in the flesh during their annual trips home.
If you’re a fan of The Necks, you’re already aware of what’s in store for each performance, but if you’re yet to witness the group live in the flesh, I wholeheartedly implore that you see this iconic trio perform at least once; your life will be better for it.
The Necks perform at Hobart’s Museum Of Old And New Art tomorrow, before wrapping up their 2019 Australian tour with a free performance at Western Sydney University.
Check out The Necks’ ‘Timepiece’:
https://youtu.be/FL2_RUdI5vM
The Necks Australian Tour 2019
Remaining Dates
Wednesday, March 13th
Museum Of Old And New Art, Hobart, Tasmania
Tickets: MONA
Thursday, March 14th
Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW (Free)
More Info: Facebook
