Open – The Necks
Open, the 17th album by improvisational band The Necks, has just been released on the 6th September 2013 by Fish of Milk Records in Australia and New Zealand, ReR Megacorp in Europe and Japan as well as in North America by Northern Spy (an up-and-coming recording label). It is the first time that the trio have been officially introduced to North America. Chris Abrahams says, “They’re a a great label, energetic and imaginative, with some really impressive artists so we’re flattered that they sought us out, and delighted to be working together on growing our music across North America because the response to our tours there thus far has been incredible.” Formed in Sydney, Australia, The Necks are a multi-talented jazz trio made up of Chris Abrahams (Piano, Hammond Organ), Lloyd Swanton (Bass Guitar, Double Bass) and Tony Buck (Percussion, Drums, Electric Guitar). The trio specialize in minimalist jazz and their music is so distinctive that it is almost a genre of its own.
Following their 2011 album Mindset, the trio sought for a fresher sound, and so, Open was born. Open comprises over an hour of improvised works stitched together in a smooth undisturbed flow. It opens with tones of monochord, played by Tony Buck, and then continues with arco harmonics, minimalist funk, piano riffs (Chris Abrahams), electronics and an arco bass choir (Lloyd Swanton). The trio aimed to reach a feeling of intense stillness in their musical piece, in contast to Mindset, which focused on having a busy and urgent mood. The achievement of this can be felt by the wave of calm one experiences when listening to the album.
The band are currently in France and will have toured through Germany, Austria and Switzerland by the end of the week.
At the beginning of next year there will be a promotional tour in Australia for the album with date for the Sydney Opera Hours recently confirmed as the 3rd of March 2014.
Keep up to date with the band’s latest news on their website: www.thenecks.com
Listen below to The Necks playing Rum Jungle from Mindset: