If rebellious, raw energy had an auditory form, it might just sound like 'Sex,' the quintessentially provocative album by Australian avant-garde jazz trio, The Necks. Released in 1989, this album broke all conventional barriers, refusing to kowtow to mainstream expectations, much to the chagrin of the musical status quo. Disgruntled by predictability, The Necks—pianist Chris Abrahams, drummer Tony Buck, and bassist Lloyd Swanton—chose instead to venture into a fiddle-free, instrumental battleground that flaunted uncompromising creativity. In today's pop culture, free of digital flair and absent of hollow lyrics that talk in circles, the untamed raw energy of this album is something our modern cocktail of synthesized spectacle can only aspire to replicate.
To truly appreciate 'Sex,' one must step away from the cacophony of liberal banter that frequently celebrates mediocrity and embraces the unconventional genius this album represents. The album runs exactly 56 minutes long, yet remarkably, it consists of a single track. Yes, a single mesmerizing track that stretches across an almost hour of virtuosic exploration, inviting listeners to lose themselves completely in the rhythm and flow. This isn't your typical album crafting notorious hooks for chart success but a bold statement that defiantly transcends traditional album norms.
In a world where instant gratification governs our listening habits, 'Sex' requires patience, reflection, and a real, undistracted listening experience. And isn't it recallingly counter-cultural to experience an entire hour-length musical journey in 2023 without interruption? Yet, this is precisely why it's crucial. 'Sex' harkens to a time before the digital age's apparent ADD, where the profound nature of a single uninterrupted composition could invoke deeper introspection.
Where was this craft born? In New South Wales, Australia, The Necks pieced together a meditative synergy. Drawing fiery inspiration from jazz improvisation and minimalist exploration, they ventured into a realm where time feels suspended. Why, you might wonder? Because art should challenge us, provoke thought, and not blend into the monotony of fast-food-like cultural consumption. The drive to roll their proverbial sleeves up and craft such a daring work came from the heart of rebellion, every chord, and beat a defiance against banality.
To zero in on what makes 'Sex' such a captivating act is to understand its visionary scope and breadth. Unlike the rapid-fire consumption model so dominant today, where tracks are designed for maximum replay value within TikTok’s fleeting 15-second window, 'Sex' invites its audience to amble freely within its depths. And here lies the true appeal for those willing to break from the pack. Break free from mindless consumption of pop pablum and lean into something substantial and timeless.
But did The Necks do it purely for art’s sake with no hint of hubris? In truth, there's a delightful sense of audacity in throwing traditional album structure out the window. Who else dares today to tread 56 minutes without any delineated breaks or radio-friendly bits? Cynics may chalk it up to self-indulgence; however, the sincerity and dedication exhibited by Abrahams, Buck, and Swanton silence such misinterpretations.
Now, what defines the auditory experience they’ve composed? Think fewer orchestrated melodies and more a gradual layering of sounds. The piece breathes with life, hand-in-hand with free jazz but flavored with repetitive minimalist design. It's akin to stepping into a cavern of evolving echoes that invites the listener to travel inward. A tempo free of constraints pulses with ... well, a beating heart, if you will.
For music aficionados and those still seeking more than radio-friendly filler, 'Sex' is a portal to the unexpected. And while much of today's society is molded by safe, plastic-wrapped norms, there will be a select group ready to appreciate bold courage when it sizzles in its rawest form. It’s easy to dismiss the artistically inclined as daydreamers; however, visionaries run beyond the limitations of the current. They dare to carve their own paths, lead with unbridled passion, and challenge the narrative.
So, who should give this album a listen? Those who refuse to accept the facile and the formulaic, who are unafraid of exploring the unknown. 'Sex' is a testament—an anthem, even—for the audacious, underlining that rebellion isn't mere folly but often a path to genuine artistic marvel. The Necks managed more than a musical stint; they crafted a moment of transcendence that resonates against the tide of mediocrity.
For those desiring to break free from digital doldrums, this is your siren call. In the shadow of today's pre-fabricated selections, The Necks' 'Sex' won't be subdued. It exemplifies what so few dare to do: stand tall and unfaltering, declaring that there can—and should—be more to our cultural diet. Perhaps it's time to revisit 1989 if only to listen to a rare embodiment of artistry unfettered by today's pedestrian appeal.