Get ready to have your musical world rocked—Dirty Three is back, and it's been far too long! After a whopping 12 years away from the studio, this iconic Australian trio has unleashed their latest masterpiece, 'Love Changes Everything,' and now they're gearing up for their first North American tour since 2012. Think about it: these guys, who've shaped the sound of post-rock with their haunting violin melodies and thunderous drumming, are finally bringing that raw, emotional energy stateside. But here's where it gets controversial—some fans swear their extended absences only make their comebacks more intense, while others argue it's a missed opportunity to keep the momentum going. What's your take on bands taking such long breaks?
Last year marked Dirty Three's triumphant return with 'Love Changes Everything' (check it out at Pitchfork's review here), their first studio album in over a decade. To support it, they kicked off a series of shows right in their homeland, Australia, where they connected with local crowds eager for that signature blend of instrumental intensity and lyrical storytelling. Now, the excitement is ramping up as they've revealed plans for their inaugural North American tour since 2012. The dates are set for March and April, promising fans across the continent a chance to witness this reunion firsthand. And this is the part most people miss—they're not stopping there; they've also lined up performances in the United Kingdom and Europe, their first in those regions since 2016. It's like a global homecoming tour, bridging the gaps left by years of silence.
For those new to Dirty Three, let's clarify: they're a powerhouse ensemble featuring Warren Ellis (that violin virtuoso from The Bad Seeds), Mick Turner (the guitar wizard), and Jim White (the powerhouse drummer). 'Love Changes Everything' serves as the follow-up to their acclaimed 1999 album 'Toward the Low Sun,' blending melancholic tunes with bursts of experimental energy that can feel like a sonic journey through emotional landscapes. Imagine the violin soaring like a lonely cry, the guitar weaving intricate patterns, and the drums pounding like a heartbeat—it's music that doesn't just play; it evokes feelings you didn't know were there. Their style has always sparked debate: is it pure instrumental brilliance, or does it sometimes veer into self-indulgent territory? Fans love the freedom it offers, but critics might say it's not for everyone, especially if you're craving straightforward vocals. Either way, their influence on indie and post-rock scenes is undeniable, inspiring bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor with their epic, narrative-driven soundscapes.
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Dirty Three Tour
Get your calendars out, because here are the dates you don't want to miss:
Dirty Three:
11-29 Glasgow, Scotland - The Classic Grand
11-30 Glasgow, Scotland - The Classic Grand
12-01 Manchester, England - New Century
12-03 Leeds, England - Leeds Irish Centre
12-04 Bristol, England - Electric Bristol
12-06 Dublin, Ireland - Vicar Street
12-08 London, England - Barbican Centre
12-10 Utrecht, Netherlands - TivoliVredenburg
12-11 Brussels, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique
12-13 Tourcoing, France - Le Grand Mix
12-14 Paris, France - Élysée Montmartre
03-20 Portland, OR - Revolution Hall
03-21 Seattle, WA - Neumos
03-23 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
03-24 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
03-27 Knoxville, TN - Big Ears Festival
03-28 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
03-30 Washington D.C. - 9:30 Club
03-31 Baltimore, MD - The Recher
04-02 Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts
04-03 Brooklyn, NY - Pioneer Works
04-04 Boston, MA - Sinclair
04-06 Detroit, MI - El Club
04-08 Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
04-10 Toronto, Ontario - Concert Hall
04-11 Montreal, Quebec - Le Gesù
There you have it—a full lineup that's sure to ignite passions and debates. Do you think Dirty Three's long hiatus adds to their allure, or does it detract from their legacy? Is their instrumental style a bold choice in a world obsessed with lyrics, or just an outdated gimmick? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear if you're excited to catch them live or if you've got a counterpoint to share!
