The Necks live history: experimental jazz • ambient jazz • free jazz • experimental
The Necks are an Australian avant-garde jazz trio, formed in 1987, known for their long-form improvised compositions that blend experimental jazz, ambient, and minimalist elements into hypnotic, evolving soundscapes. The trio, comprising Chris Abrahams on piano and Hammond organ, Tony Buck on drums and percussion, and Lloyd Swanton on bass guitar and double bass, creates music characterized by subtle repetitions and gradual dynamic shifts that build into trance-like grooves or intense crescendos. Their live performances are entirely improvised, typically lasting between 40 and 60 minutes, beginning quietly and slowly building in complexity. The Necks' recent endeavors include the release of their introspective album *Bleed* in 2024. They also released their monumental triple album, *Disquiet*, in October 2025. This 20th studio release spans over three hours with four expansive tracks: "Rapid Eye Movement," "Ghost Net," "Causeway," and "Warm Running Sunlight," showcasing their enduring experimental breadth. In 2023, they released their nineteenth album, *Travel*. The trio was also scheduled to perform at the Rewire Festival in The Hague in April 2024.