Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Find Light in the Dark on 'Wild God

The 11 piece band played in Toronto on April 23 to a sell out audience

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' Wild God marks a bold new chapter in the band’s evolution. Departing from the somber tones of their recent works, which were shaped by Cave's personal grief following the loss of his son and mother, the album embraces a newfound sense of hope and spiritual renewal. This shift is reflected not only in the album's thematic direction but also in its artwork, which contrasts the dark and introspective covers of previous albums with a more uplifting and vibrant design.

Produced by Dave Fridmann, whose previous collaborations include Mercury Rev and The Flaming Lips, Wild God features lush orchestrations intertwined with accessible melodies that recall the introspective beauty of The Boatman’s Call (1997). Tracks like “Song of the Lake,” “Joy,” and the title track “Wild God” highlight Cave’s departure from grief-stricken ballads to songs infused with optimism. However, the album still offers introspective moments, bridging the past with the present.

The album’s centerpiece, “Final Rescue Attempt,” demonstrates the band’s ability to balance quiet reflection with explosive energy.

During their Toronto performance on April 23rd, the track was halted mid-song due to a perceived misstep, but it was picked up again with newfound intensity, culminating in a wailing violin solo from Warren Ellis that left the audience electrified.

Cave’s ongoing collaboration with Warren Ellis, which began with Push the Sky Away (2013), continues to shape the band’s sound. Moving away from traditional song structures, they’ve embraced freeform compositions that defy conventional rhythm, creating a sonic space that reflects the themes of freedom and redemption present in their work.

While much of Cave’s recent output has explored the depths of grief, Wild God marks a turning point. This album suggests that joy, peace, and redemption are possible, even after profound loss. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to evolve, finding beauty and light even in the darkest corners of life.

The performance in Toronto was a testament to the band's enduring power, seamlessly blending new material with older classics, and reminding fans why they remain one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Sources: LeMond, The Guardian, Exclaim!, Hunters Bay Radio