The renowned postpunk band Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds was formed four decades ago, featuring artists from Einstürzende Neubauten, The Birthday Party, and Magazine. They became somewhat of a supernova in the cult music scene. Their debut album was an instant hit, and they have since released their 18th studio album – their first since the poignantly emotive Ghosteen in 2019.
The world has seen a global pandemic, and for Cave, personal loss has been profound, losing two sons Arthur and Jethro in 2015 and 2022 respectively. Despite these tragedies, their latest album Wild God is a triumphant return to the band’s ebullient roots, following a string of introspective releases in which Warren Ellis was Cave’s primary collaborator.
Interestingly, a new face has joined The Bad Seeds – Colin Greenwood, who is recognisable from his role as the bassist for Radiohead. However, it appears this is not a permanent move, as the band’s regular bassist Martyn P Casey is set to reunite with them on tour later this year. During this interim period, Greenwood’s musical prowess has added an exciting vibrancy to their sound.
Fans of Cave’s more extensive works will find similarities to his older classics such as Let Love In (1994) and Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus a decade later. For the first time, The Bad Seeds collaborated with acclaimed producer David Fridmann, known for his work with MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev and Mogwai.
The outcome is an impressively audacious and self-assured album. Wild God stands out as one of the finest traditional Bad Seeds records in years. However, it’s important not to overlook their late-career gems like Ghosteen and 2016’s Skeleton Tree, which poignantly capture the unpredictable storm of grief.
As Nick Cave nears his 67th birthday, he honours Anita Lane, his ex-girlfriend and fellow co-founder of The Bad Seeds, on the penultimate song of Wild God, O Wow O Wow (How Wonderful She Is). Lane, who co-wrote the band’s iconic debut album title track, From Her to Eternity, sadly passed away last year. Cave leaves a touching tribute to Lane in his song, which includes a heartfelt phone message from her inquiring if he could remember the times when they used to enjoy each other’s company, free from life’s pressures – an atmosphere that was at the heart of their songwriting.
Sadly, many of Cave’s dear ones, including his mum and long-term mate Shane MacGowan, have passed away as well. As Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds move into their fifth decade in the music scene, they attribute their success – and the creation of several incredible songs – to their authenticity and light-hearted approach to their craft. Ten more of these songs feature on Wild God.