The Necks : The Byron Bay Community Centre

The Necks are one of the great cult bands of Australia who count Brian Eno and Nick Cave among their legions of fans. Chris Abrahams (piano), Tony Buck (drums), and Lloyd Swanton (bass) conjure a chemistry together that defies description in orthodox terms. Their completely improvised concerts develop over hour long sets and have the room ringing with sound and the audience mesmerised. Not entirely avant-garde, nor minimalist, nor ambient, nor jazz, the music of The Necks is unique in the world today.

thenecks

“Ever since the beginning, The Necks have had a concept that we walk out on stage and the music – and that’s not just sound, it’s a whole relationship that we have with each other – will take care of itself,” says pianist Chris Abrahams.

2010 was a particularly busy for The Necks with the release of their fifteenth album ‘Silverwater’, hugely successful tours of USA and Europe including UK performances with Brian Eno for the Brighton Festival, as well as their own concert at The Barbican in London which had critics raving. Fortunately for Australian fans they’re undertaking an extensive Australian tour this summer which includes special performances at MONA FOMA, Sydney Festival and WOMADelaide and much anticipated stand alone concerts in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Canberra, Byron Bay and Brisbane.

“A performance by The Necks is a kind of religious experience.” THE AUSTRALIAN

“Absolutely riveting…how three musicians can sound like eighteen is a mystery… extraordinary magical sounds emerged from the ensemble…the way The Necks do this with acoustic instruments is nothing short of miraculous” FINANCIAL TIMES (UK)

“The Necks communicate a fierce energy and warmth at the same time. Their music is a thrilling, emotional journey into the unknown.” THE GUARDIAN

The Necks
Friday Feb 18
The Byron Bay Community Centre – 69 Jonson St
$25 / $28 on the door
Bookings; 02) 6685 6807