And even though each of these albums possesses its own sound and follows its own loose concept, they are all electronic, minimalist and ambient affairs, full to the brim with silent melancholy and even more subtle sorrow, so very different from earlier BAD SEEDS classics like ‘Henry’s Dream’ and ‘Murder Ballads’ or even later releases like ‘Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus’ and ‘Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!’.

 

The progress within the trilogy is obvious – ‘Ghosteen’ is the most delicate, melancholic, drone and ambient release in NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS’ discography. And the title fits just fine - the album features an undeniably ghostly atmosphere, enriched by NICK CAVE’s mournful vocals that seem like a desperate prayer or an awkward telling of his rich in religious symbols dreamscapes (be sure to check the spoken word piece ‘Fireflies‘).

 

What one can hear mostly is NICK CAVE’s favourite piano as well as WARREN ELLIS’ input of analogue synths, electronic beats, loops and almost indistinguishable violins and flute. MARTYN CASEY’s bass, JIM SCLAVUNOS and THOMAS WYDELER percussion are almost non-existent, making the ‘Ghosteen’ sound so very different than anything else bearing the NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS tag.

 

We didn’t just mention the word ‘minimalism’. Aand its use is highly justifiable although it might prove misleading - although ‘Ghosteen’ features only a few prominent instruments, its sound is layered and beautiful, almost requiring one to listen with good headphones on. What’s more, ‘Ghosteen’ is a cross point of esoteric music minimalism and true lush music - after all, it’s a 70+ minutes of music with two 12+ minute tracks, thus no part of it sounds rushed (just check the dynamics within songs like ‘Sun Forest’ or album closer ‘Hollywood’).

 

At the center of all these phantasmagorical music pieces however is CAVE’s distinctive voice - his all too mournful yet oh-so-confiedent voice, leading the listener through tales of life and death, loss and despair, light and optimism.‘Ghosteen’ is poetic and gentle, extremely personal and lively album that is not just another industry required release but one of the best releases in the NICK CAVE’s already superb discography.