Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Skeleton Tree (Bad Seed Ltd.) 2016
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Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ Skeleton Tree has taught us that the sting of the grim reaper’s scythe never dulls. Heavy with the overbearing weight of grief, these are songs that provoke the temporal lobe and refuse to be taken lightly. Lyrically, Cave has surpassed anything written by himself, or anyone else for that matter, in recent years. Each syllable he wrenches from his soul is poignant and essential. His words are at the forefront of every song; The Bad Seeds linger in the shadows.
Soft pianos and shifting synths provide a kaleidoscopic atmosphere that grounds every sentiment, whether dark, accepting, hopeful or desolate. There are darkwave drones, there are jazz-inspired drum patterns and there are moments so simple they evade categorization. Nothing, from the organ accompanying “I Need You” to Else Torp’s pure voice on “Distant Sky,” is pretentious or extraneous. Arrogance is never a thought throughout the eight tracks.
The album as a whole, from “Jesus Alone” to “Skeleton Tree,” feels as if Cave is guiding you through the process of accepting his tragedy. Your tragedy. An occurrence everybody has experienced which threatens to carve the still-beating heart from your chest. Yet, Skeleton Tree assures that there is life after pain and sorrow. Whether or not there truly is, well, that is for each listener to decide for themselves.
It seems nearly intrusive to be a part of something so painfully personal. It’s also testament that the most extreme life events yield the most beautiful art. Absorb every waver in Cave’s deep voice and understand his carefully chosen vocabulary. Skeleton Tree is an album that should never have been made, but it is the utmost humbling honor to be entrusted with such an intimate work. “And it’s alright now.”