Drive By

Released in 2003, Drive By represents a pivotal moment in The Necks' discography, winning the ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album and cementing their international reputation. While the trio (Chris Abrahams, Lloyd Swanton, and Tony Buck) is rooted in the jazz tradition of piano, bass, and drums, this specific recording leans heavily into minimalist and electronic aesthetics. The album consists of a single 60-minute track that was meticulously constructed from improvised sessions, featuring more studio layering and keyboard textures than their earlier, purely acoustic works. Critics, including those from The Guardian and AllMusic, have frequently noted its 'cinematic' quality, often comparing it to the 'cyberpunk' noir of William Gibson. It stands as one of their most accessible yet profound works, perfectly balancing their signature 'glacial' pacing with a rhythmic drive that feels more pronounced than on albums like 'Aether'. It is a cornerstone of 21st-century improvised music.