The Necks announce Irish dates

If you're a fan of the type of genre-defying music that sends reviewers into linguistic frenzy (The Guardian call them "post-jazz, post-rock, post-everything"), then you'll be delighted to hear that cult Australian band The Necks are coming to Ireland this month.

Based in Sydney, The Necks is pianist Chris Abrahams, drummer Tony Buck and bassist Lloyd Swanton. Individually, they are among Australia's most respected musicians and composers, with CVs that span continents, mediums (radio, film, music) and genres (from pop to avant-garde).

The credentials go on and on. Combined, they have over 160 albums to their names, but as The Necks, they have just completed their eleventh opus, entitled Drive By.

As with most of their 'albums', Drive By is comprised of a single track, sixty minutes long, which takes listeners on a meandering, hypnotizing journey. They may be using the basic tools of the jazz piano trio, but you'd be better off to file The Necks alongside your Ninja Tune or Warp Recordings.

Their live performances comprise two sets, each 45 to 60 minutes long. The Necks play the Sonic Arts Research Centre, Belfast on November 24, and the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, Dublin on November 23. Tickets are on sale now - in Belfast from Knight's Records (£10) and in Dublin (€16) from The Improvised Music Company (01 670 3885) or on the door.