The Dirty Three is an Australian instrumental trio known for their emotionally charged, genre-defying music, which blends post-rock, folk, and classical influences. Formed in 1992, the band features Warren Ellis (violin), Mick Turner (guitar), and Jim White (drums)—each a master of their instrument, creating a sound that is raw, cinematic, and deeply evocative.
Ellis's impassioned violin work leads the charge, often sounding like a voice crying through storms of distortion and rhythm. Dirty Three's music is wordless yet profound, capturing heartbreak, beauty, and chaos with unfiltered intensity. Albums like Ocean Songs and Horse Stories are hailed as landmarks in experimental rock. Their live performances are equally legendary, striking a balance between fierce improvisation and soul-stirring clarity. Dirty Three aren’t just a band—they’re a force of nature, shaping modern instrumental music with a uniquely poetic and uncompromising vision.