Unleash the beast with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on 'Wild God'
Let the good times roll, because this new record isn't for the timid. Nick Cave is jumping headfirst into the fray, and anything that feels good is up for grabs. As an eerie storm brews in the background, it's pure, unadulterated excitement.
Nick Cave, the piano man with a voice that could shake the earth, has been no stranger to darkness. The loss of his son Arthur (15) in 2015 and his half-brother Jethro (30) in 2022 hit hard. But darkness has been a tireless companion in Cave's artistic journey, and it's been a ghostly presence in his personal life as well[3]. So, who can offer solace when the waters get choppy? God? Art? Or perhaps the unbridled power of rock 'n' roll itself?
Five long years after their last offering, "Ghosteen," the heavens have poured their might into this latest triumph. Dubbed "Wild God," their eighteenth studio effort, this isn't a mourning album; it's a love letter to life, love, and everything in between[2]. The canvas is wide open, and it's up to you, the listener, to draw your own connections.
Life goes on, even when the people we hold dearest are taken from us. Death might mark an end, but it's also just a transition, not just for those who are gone, but for those left behind. Joy, love, hope, despair - if it's part of the human experience[4], you'll find it all here, interwoven into one glorious tapestry.
The frog in the gutter is the embodiment of hope and persistence. The song "Frogs" tells the story of a frog wallowing in despair, but the frog doesn't give up hope. It keeps moving forward, refusing to give up the fight. The death of Cave's partner Anita Lane is mourned, but not with despair. Instead, the track features bubbling melodies, vocoder tricks, and a phone recording of Lane laughing, reminding us that joy can be found even in the darkest of times[1].
"Wild God" harks back to the band's roots, with a return to rock 'n' roll[5]. The album breaks free from traditional song structures, instead offering a soundscape of raw emotion. It's a tribute to free thinking, experimental music, gripping dynamics, and a return to the basics. It's a high-octane rollercoaster ride of emotions, from the tormented pathos of "Song of the Lake" to the life-affirming pulsating beat of "Cinnamon Horses."
In the end, "Wild God" reaches for the heavens, only to come to a gentle landing just shy of chamber music enlightenment. The album is a breathtaking exploration of life, death, grief, and joy, a testament to Nick Cave's resilience and artistic genius. It's a wild ride through the storm, and even amidst the chaos, the beauty of the human experience remains[4]. Strap in and get ready to feel alive!
