Review of Wild God: A Unique Type of Transcendence

Few rock stars turned public intellectuals have processed grief more eloquently than former hellraiser Nick Cave. Since the tragic death of his teenage son Arthur in 2015, and more recently, his 31-year-old son Jethro in 2022, Cave’s prolific output has included three studio albums, two documentaries, film soundtracks, a memoir, and a uniquely profound agony uncle column. His latest project, Wild God, reunites Cave with his recent key associate, Warren Ellis, the Bad Seeds, and Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood.

The objective of Wild God is clear: to create a monumental record that would serve as a different form of transcendence after all of Cave’s sorrow. In the standout track titled Joy, a “flaming boy” akin to the protagonist of Cave’s 2019 album Ghosteen, decrees an end to anguish. This track showcases Cave’s elliptical piano playing, Ellis’s oscillating sounds, and the Bad Seeds’ exploratory percussion.

Powered by a spacey analogue keyboard figure, the riveting Final Rescue Attempt adds another classic Cave piano workout to his impressive repertoire. Much of Wild God is tremendous, employing bodies of water, religious figures, animals, and allegorical storytelling to evoke a sense of unanchored emotion. Though the Bad Seeds might seem a bit muted in the mix, Cave muttering “never mind, never mind” on Song of the Lake provides a form of consolation that feels wholly authentic.