Dirty Three
Toward The Low Sun

In 1993, in Melbourne, the Dirty Three were formed. A trio made up of musicians already quite famous in Australia, namely: on the distorted violin, the charismatic leader Warren Ellis, a fundamental anchor for the band, who would later join Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds in 1995 (many are his participations alongside the Australian singer-songwriter); Jim White on drums, accompanying Warren's laments with tasteful brushes, and Mick Turner on electric guitar, also the creator of the Dirty Three's album covers and a pillar of another band, The Tree Brothers, formed by him and White, with whom they released excellent albums (for example, 'The Swimmer' in 2005).

What astonishes when listening to the music of the Australian trio is the passion, the love, the heart with which they play; the pieces always highlight Ellis's violin, which at times is tear-jerking, making the music of the Dirty Three unique; the atmospheres are very dark and tense even if they often turn romantic. In the '90s, the Dirty Three worked on what are today considered the best albums of that decade. An example is certainly 'Ocean Songs' released in '98, but even earlier in '96 'Horse Stories', with which the Dirty Three establish themselves as a high-level band. Ellis, with his violin, manages to convey feelings, moods, sentiments worthy of a human voice, not making the absence of the latter felt in the group's music. The last work of the Dirty Three was 'Cinder', released in 2005, with which Ellis and Co. were quite disappointing; in these seven years, the members of the Dirty Three certainly weren't idle. Indeed, Turner opened a recording studio, continued his career as a painter and guitarist with the Tree Brothers alongside White, and finally, Ellis, besides performing with the Bad Seeds, collaborated with Cave on soundtracks ('The Assassination of Jesse James', 'The Proposition' and 'The Road').

This year they are back with their new album 'Toward The Low Sun', certainly one of the most anticipated of 2012. The album, recorded at Head Gap Studios and consisting of 9 tracks, is produced by Bella Union and can be considered a return to the roots for the Dirty Three. The music is quite angry and chaotic and vaguely recalls the atmospheres experienced in 'Sad & Dangerous', but there is certainly no lack of oceanic ballads that characterize the music of Dirty Three. There is the introduction of new instruments, such as the piano. It all begins with 'Furnace Skies', one of the most interesting tracks, where Turner and Ellis seem to vent with nervous, distorted sounds, clashing over White's percussion and then moving towards the keyboard, which produces notes reminiscent of the '60s psychedelia. Then there is 'Sometimes I Forget You've Gone'. There it is. There's the sweetness of the Dirty Three. A truly very fit White almost disinterestedly accompanies the notes emanating from Turner's electric guitar, all framed by a moving piano that takes center stage. We arrive at 'Moon On The Land', a very pleasant ballad to hear, in which a really nice acoustic by Turner accompanies the 'words' of that lunatic Ellis, who produces passionate and very engaging solos. 'Rising Below' is instead based on the union of two violins, which towards the end of the second minute burst with joy, creating a very nice atmosphere as well as excessively happy.

The fifth track 'The Pier' is one of the best in the album, the trio is in perfect harmony, the dominant factor is once again Ellis's violin, but White also indulges in very frequent solos and Turner plays a significant role with his distorted accompaniment, reminiscent of the ocean songs, very much so. 'Rain Song' is a very simple piece, which gives the air of something already heard, fundamentally based on Ellis's laments, accompanied by Turner's picking and White's brushing strokes. The third-to-last track is 'That Was Was', a very aggressive composition, but absolutely in a positive sense. In simple words, Ellis is the Hendrix of the violin (completely distorted). Ashen Snow is instead what I consider the most beautiful track on the album and one of the most beautiful by the Dirty Three. Nostalgic sounds and tear-jerking notes give life to a moving piece. There is the introduction of the piano, which continues to be heard until the conclusion of the track, the violin blends with the kisses that the brushes give to the drums, Turner once again on acoustics, and everything begins. Really beautiful. The album ends with 'You Greet Her Ghost', a piece fairly light and pleasant to listen to, seeming to not only mark the end of the album but also the career of the Dirty Three, as it is said that this will be the last album of the Australian trio.

'Toward The Low Sun' is certainly one of the most fascinating and best albums of 2012, it certainly can't be considered a masterpiece, nor an 'Ocean Songs II', but it will certainly remain an excellent work, with a pleasant listen and the usual gems that the Dirty Three never forget to offer. Discerning music listeners and fans will not be disappointed.