Oh, obviously.
What is even more obvious is a lockdown collaboration between Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.
Perhaps my favourite scene in 20,000 Days on Earth, the brilliant documentary on Nick Cave, is the conversation between Cave and Ellis. The two are sitting in the kitchen of Ellis's mansion by the cliffs of Dover, contemplating some sizzling dish prepared by the host and talking about Jerry Lee Lewis and Nina Simone. It is a freewheeling conversation, and the atmosphere is that of mutual trust and affection. And while it could be argued that Warren Ellis is anyone's idea of a perfect collaborator (I am currently looking forward to the upcoming Marianne Faithfull LP), it is clear that in Ellis Cave found someone a lot more than that. Which is why the sense of surprise at the release of this album wears off so fast.
Carnage is post-grief. Musically, it is similar to Cave's latest works - and yet it is not quite Ghosteen. Nor is it Skeleton Tree. Rather, it resembles Push The Sky Away or quieter moments off Grinderman (with a touch of Alan Vega). There are moments of achingly beautiful piano-based balladry ("Albuquerque") and there are moments of lush gospel singing (the ending of "White Elephant"). There is stately elegance ("Lavender Fields") and there are uncomfortable but oddly satisfying loops from Warren Ellis (the opening "Hand of God" should not really work, but it does).
And, in the end, all that matters is that Nick Cave is in a place where he wants to be. Which also goes for his songwriting that swirls and floats and loops in a way that feels natural and... dare I say it... relaxed. There is unforgettable imagery ('turning chickens into fountains', 'Botticelli Venus with a penis'), and much of it is related to childhood memories (the oft-quoted Flannery O'Connor line). Carnage is reflective but it is post-grief. Carnage, against all intuition, is a very comfortable place.
RECOMMENDED THIS MONTH:
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis - Carnage
Black Country, New Road - For The First Time
The Hold Steady - Open Door Policy
A Winged Victory For The Sullen - Invisible Cities
