Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds most recent album, “Skeleton Tree,” is a harrowing classic that will stick to listeners throughout the years. In production for the last few years, the album is related to the tragic loss within Nick Cave’s family.
The album is slow and still carries much of the ballad weight that has been prevalent in many of the the group’s most recent albums. However, this album is more ambient and electronically motivated than “Push the Sky Away.” Constant use of drum machines and synths (which are looped) gives this album a muddier feel that can be compared to their albums of the late 80s and even “Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!”
Overall, “Skeleton Tree,” reflects the human emotional process of losing the ones we love and how these hard feelings can resonate with anyone deeply. Whether someone is having a bad week, grieving over the loss of a loved one, or coping with mistakes all people find themselves making, “Skeleton Tree” is the album that can help provide clarity and a sense of understanding.
Recommended If You Like: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Grinderman, Tom Waits
Recommended Tracks: 5 (Anthrocene), 6 (I Need You), 8 (Skeleton Tree), 4 (Magneto)
Do Not Play: N/A
Written by Mason Kilpatrick on 09/29/2016