National treasure is an expression that doesn’t quite do Nick Cave justice. Warracknabeal’s greatest son has, across his canon of bands and books, screenplays and soundtracks, achieved living legend status. At 66, Cave’s output is freakishly prolific, particularly when considering that as a young man with fierce hair and wild eyes, he wasn’t expected to see his prime.
Cave might still be enjoying his prime. With Wild God, his 18th studio album, Cave unleashes lush, orchestral production wrapped around those familiar dark tales. On album standout “Joy,” Cave walks us down familiar territory as he reflects on misery, death, love and our maker, this time with a choir and brass section inviting us to join him. The ethereal single “Frogs” tackles pain and loss, rendered with studio detail a quantum leap from The Boys Next Door. Wild God manages to find its balance at classic Cave and the unexpected.
Stream: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Wild God
This review features in the September-November 2024 issue of Rolling Stone AU/NZ. If you’re eager to get your hands on it, then now is the time to sign up for a subscription.
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