Dark Mofo 2019: The Dirty Three review

The journey from intimate accordion ballad to the kind of fully embodied thrashing violin that frays the strings is what makes this band so great live.

The much anticipated 25-year anniversary tour of their self-titled album did not disappoint when The Dirty Three played in Hobart. ‘Afternoon Tea With the Dirty Three’ was the kind of virtuosic instrumental mayhem that made you believe in music again.

The journey from intimate accordion ballad to the kind of fully embodied thrashing violin that frays the strings and has the crowd in rapture is what makes this band so great live.

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Dirty Three performing for their 25-year anniversary tour. Picture: PRUDENCE UPTON

Punctuate by the amusing stories of a well-lived Warren Ellis, a wild hellcat from Ballarat, the performance is warm and generous. Drummer, Jim White, whose stamina has not dented in 25 years, drives home the thumping heart of the album and the dynamic between White and Ellis is a joy to watch. Mick Thomas on guitar brings a studied cohesion and together they are in fine form.

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Age does not weary The Dirty Three. Their rebellious freedom and passion to experiment and play is as present in their music as it was in 1994. Their energy on stage, their ability to connect with the crowd and their playful sense of mischief isn’t fading anytime soon. Go and see them.