Dirty Three

The Profile

Dirty Three are an Australian instrumental trio formed in Melbourne in the early 1990s, featuring Warren Ellis (violin), Mick Turner (guitar), and Jim White (drums). They are frequently associated with post-rock, with a sound described in reviews as emotionally evocative and image-rich, often led by Ellis’s amplified/distorted violin as a voice-like centerpiece.

Formed in Melbourne in 1992/1993. Core trio: Warren Ellis, Mick Turner, Jim White. Instrumental (generally no vocals). Ellis is publicly known for joining Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in 1995 and collaborating on film soundtracks with Nick Cave. Ocean Songs (1998) is widely regarded (in these reviews) as a peak/masterpiece; Horse Stories (1996) is described as a major step in establishing their recognition.

Across these reviews, Dirty Three are portrayed as a Melbourne instrumental trio (violin, guitar, drums) whose music evokes vivid images and strong emotions. Ocean Songs is repeatedly framed as a sea-themed concept album and a peak or masterpiece, with the violin cast as the central “voice.” Horse Stories and Whatever You Love, You Are are highlighted as key works, while later albums like Toward the Low Sun draw mixed but respectful reactions. Live accounts emphasize Warren Ellis’s physical, magnetic performance style and the trio’s tight interplay.