Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, formed in 1983, have been a staple of the alternative rock scene for decades, known for their intense and evocative music. Over the years, they’ve explored various sonic landscapes, from the raw energy of their early work to more introspective and atmospheric albums like The Boatman’s Call and Ghosteen. The band, led by Nick Cave, has undergone numerous line-up changes, with Cave’s collaborations with Warren Ellis becoming a defining feature of their recent sound. Wild God stands as a significant milestone in Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ discography, marking their first full-band album since Ghosteen in 2019.
This album is a deliberate effort to reconnect with the band’s roots while pushing their sound into new territories. After a period where Cave’s work leaned towards the intimate and sparse, Wild God sees the return of the Bad Seeds in full force, bringing with them a sense of renewed vigor and creativity. The album was conceived with the intention of reintroducing the band’s rich, layered instrumentation, which had taken a backseat in recent projects. Musically, Wild God strikes a balance between the familiar and the new. It carries the emotional weight and lyrical depth that fans have come to expect from Nick Cave, but it also embraces a more expansive sound exploration.
Produced by Cave and long-time collaborator Warren Ellis, the album features contributions from notable musicians like Colin Greenwood of Radiohead and Luis Almau, whose performances add a distinct flavor to the mix. Wild God is more than just a return to form; it’s a bold statement of where Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds stand today—continuously evolving, yet deeply rooted in the elements that have always made their music resonate. Wild God is an album that invites listeners to engage with it on multiple levels, revealing new layers with each listen, evoking emotions that can make you cry as much as they can make you smile.
Wild God features a blend of classic Bad Seeds instrumentation with additional layers brought in by guest musicians, including a choir that helps several tracks explode in big chorus moments. The album merges conventional rock elements with more experimental sounds, including synthesizers, loops, and unconventional instruments like the vibraphone and whistling. This creates a dynamic listening experience that oscillates between the band’s characteristic dramatic flair and a more expansive, textured sound.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have taken a step forward by reintroducing a full-band approach after a period of more minimalistic releases. The inclusion of new collaborators and the return of long-time members have brought fresh energy and ideas to the mix, resulting in an album that bridges their past with new creative directions.
Listeners might draw parallels between Wild God and the works of artists like The National, who also balance brooding atmospheres with rich, layered instrumentation. Thom Yorke’s more recent explorations into textured, emotionally charged music also provide a similar experience. Leonard Cohen’s late-career albums, with their deep reflections and intricate arrangements, might also resonate with fans of this album.
The album is packed with standout moments that exemplify the album’s dynamic range and emotional depth. Several tracks, in particular, serve as pillars of the album, each contributing to the overarching narrative and musical landscape in distinct ways. “Frogs” is a sweeping epic that showcases the band’s ability to merge storytelling with intense musicality. The song captures the band’s full spectrum, combining lush instrumentation with a haunting, almost cinematic quality that pulls the listener into its world. “Conversion” is another pivotal track, distinguished by its transformative power both in its lyrics and structure. The song begins with an understated thrum, creating a sense of intimacy before building into an electrifying climax supported by a choir. The title track, “Wild God,” is a quintessential Bad Seeds creation, filled with the kind of dramatic tension and dynamic shifts that have become a signature of the band’s sound. In “Long Dark Night,” Cave explores the emotional terrain of solitude and searching, making it one of the more intimate and contemplative tracks on the album, especially when the swooping chorus hits deep.
The lyrics continue Nick Cave’s exploration of faith, mortality, and human emotion. The album navigates themes of belief and doubt, life and death, often drawing on biblical and mystical imagery. The lyrics are characterized by their vivid storytelling and ability to evoke powerful emotions, making them a central element of the album’s impact.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Australian Carnage: Live at the Sydney Opera House (Nick Cave and Warren Ellis) – music review
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- Motel Cable (Ex Pilots) – music review
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