by
Rob Jones
Breathtaking ballads full of erudite emotion. Completely unrivalled, totally unique, utterly compelling – ladies and gentlemen it is the welcome return of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. From a piano stool through a band setting, choral unity and on to an orchestrated ensemble – the 10 tracks of the new ‘Wild God’ long player never settle for anything else than the epic. The aural majesty is aplenty and then the focal voice of Cave and his worldly tales and otherworldly insights cap what is a release of depth, drama and dexterity.
From the good seeds to the buoyant harvest – this selection of songs has its leader aiming for the beauty in the beast – as he is in recovery after the sad loss of two sons. There is magic in the melancholic and the echoes of Elvis, Cash and Cohen can cast their spells over the content but with the approach of the main man – a past may surface in the feel but the present has him stand head and shoulders above his peers. There is no need for fancy technology just a troop of polished performers to augment the contents and assembled here is a stellar and stylish set of skills.
This work is aimed at the album market and will keep Cave at the top of the tree. Just listen to any and all of the tunes present and it seems inappropriate to highlight one as the set comes as a must listen package. Always questioning but always believing – the listener buys into on a remarkable journey.
Track listing:
1. Song of the Lake
2. Wild God
3. Frogs
4. Joy
5. Final Rescue Attempt
6. Conversion
7. Cinnamon Horses
8. Long Dark Night
9. O Wow O Wow (How Wonderful She Is)
10. As the Waters Cover the Sea
The final words on the 2024 triumph come from the enduring force that has risen from punk rebellion to universal acclaim: Nick Cave: “ I hope the album has the effect on listeners that it’s had on me. It bursts out of the speaker, and I get swept up with it. It’s a complicated record, but it’s also deeply and joyously infectious. There is never a masterplan when we make a record. The records rather reflect back the emotional state of the writers and musicians who played them. Listening to this, I don’t know, it seems we’re happy. ”
Nick Cave has become a regular visitor to Cardiff in recent times and after a solo Q & A plus live date in the Welsh Millennium Centre and a union with Warren Ellis at St David’s Hall he will be joined by the Bad Seeds at The Utilita Arena on the evening of November 6. For details go to https://www.utilitaarenacardiff.co.uk/all-events/nick-cave-and-the-bad-seeds-tickets-ae151
