Review: Nick Cave and Warren Ellis Treat Fans to Newest Tracks at The Orpheum

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis - Courtesy

By DAN MACINTOSH

In a way, Nick Cave’s 2022 tour picks up where his recording career left off in 2019, as the other night at The Orpheum he performed much of the album Ghosteen. Cave also played cuts off 2021’s Carnage, with his collaborator (and current concert mate), Warren Ellis. Those expecting a kind of career overview, may have been disappointed by this night’s setlist. However, patrons attending to hear Cave’s latest work, were treated to a bevy of newer songs.

Newest Cave music is also some of his quietest. For instance, there were no electric guitar solos the whole evening. Instead, many songs featured Ellis, Cave and a sideman playing various keyboards, instead. Cave’s group also included three backing vocalists (two women in sparkly choir robes, and a male all in black). Ironically, Cave, so enamored with Elvis early in his career, is now performing original, gospel-y music during his concerts. It might be too soon to crown him king, though.

Anyone desiring the old raving Cave, received few examples if this more rollicking sonic style. “Hand of God” found Cave roving the stage like a Holy Ghost-powered fire and brimstone preacher. Although quieter, “White Elephant” (also taken from Carnage) was angry – only a much quieter anger. He also performed “Henry Lee,” his “difficult middle period” murder ballad, as an encore. 

Early on, Cave sang the Ghosteen title track, which was representative of the evening’s overall mood and sound. Accompanied by Ellis’ eerie keyboard work, Cave sang it like a kind of Eno-esque ambient piece. It’s both strange and welcome how this once noisy leader of the equally noisy The Birthday Party, has evolved into a truly wonderful balladeer. He sang the simply beautiful “Into My Arms” as an encore, like a Gothic Barry Manilow. Cave also included a cover of T. Rex’s “Cosmic Dancer.” This version included an Ellis violin solo, which he played while rocking back and forth in his chair. 

Many have speculated how Ghosteen was inspired by the sudden death of Cave’s son. Which explains much of the music’s somber tone. However, the more recent Carnage features a lot of the old Cave rage, so maybe Ghosteen is just a temporary stop along his musical journey. In concert, Cave has also transformed himself into a most engaging host. He tried (as best as possible) to answer the many yelled out audience questions tonight. His fans are some of the most vocal ones in all of rock & roll. 

Like all truly great artists, Nick Cave is evolving. He’s adding new and unexpected sonic elements to his artistic persona, which he expressed wonderfully in front of this most appreciative audience.

Check out Nick Cave’s website.