The Substation/​ Artist/​The Necks/

The Necks are one of the great cult bands of the world. Chris Abrahams (piano) Tony Buck (drums) and Lloyd Swanton (bass) conjure a chemistry together that defies description in conventional terms.

The Necks are revered internationally for their improvisational prowess and hypnotic live performances, featuring lengthy pieces which slowly unravel, shift and metamorphose. Their approach emphasizes real-time composition, where each performance is a spontaneous creation, making every live show a completely unique experience.

Formed in Sydney in 1987, The Necks have operated with the same line-up for more than thirty years. They have released over 20 live and studio produced albums to outstanding critical acclaim. The Necks studio albums are often intricately layered in the mixing process and can feature additional instrumentation. The deceptive simplicity of their music throws forth new charms on each hearing.

The Necks have collaborated with Brian Eno, Underworld, Swans, and Back to Back Theatre, as well as composing the score to legendary Australian feature film The Boys. They have received multiple awards, including the 2019 Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music.

‘This is The Necks, one of the world's most intoxicating cult bands, and this is what they have done at every single gig in their career: make epic, unrepeatable new music completely from scratch.’ MOJO magazine (UK)

‘No group in creative music is quite like the Australian trio, whose modal and minimalist performances extend a single idea to infinity.’ The Wire (UK)

‘The Necks have become, and remain, one of the most arresting and sophisticated bands on the planet.’ The Quietus (UK)

‘More than 30 years into their career, the Australian experimental trio can still make the mundane feel miraculous.’ Pitchfork (US)

‘The greatest trio on earth’ The New York Times (US)

‘The Necks make the most beautiful music, at turns poetic then violent.’ Warren Ellis