Dirty Three

Dirty Three may be wholly instrumental, but Warren Ellis’ deeply expressive violin-playing more than makes up for the lack of words. Formed in Melbourne in 1992 when Ellis linked up with guitarist Mick Turner and drummer Jim White from noise-rock act Venom P. Stinger, the trio equally evoke underground grit and classical grandeur. They broke through internationally with 1996’s disheveled Horse Stories and 1998’s more serene and sweeping Ocean Songs. The band’s output slowed as Ellis became increasingly involved with Nick Cave, playing a major role in both The Bad Seeds and Grinderman while also collaborating with Cave on many film scores and other projects. His bandmates have remained similarly occupied: White has played with Cat Power, Smog, PJ Harvey, and Bonnie “Prince” Billy over the years, while Turner released spidery solo albums and debuted the project Mess Esque with Aussie solo artist Mckisko in 2021.