Push the Sky Away is Nick Cave's fifteenth (or so) LP to date with the Bad Seeds, and it's as remarkable as one could possibly hope. Here we find Cave in a particularly reflective mode, where many of the lyrics play as stream of consciousness musings on life, love, loss and revenge. The music on
Push the Sky Away is a mostly subdued affair, with opening track "We No Who U R" beating to the rhythm of lonely electronic drums and piano, creating an atmosphere not far from the favorites which appeared on
The Boatman's Call. The Bad Seeds pluck and plod murkily through dark territory, with Warren Ellis appearing in full force on many tracks, his signature moaning violin weaving in and out and around the melodies. Many songs have improvisational moments, and the recording is clean and beautiful; yet however familiar this album might sound, Cave approaches the songwriting with a fresh and newborn sense of dark humor and strong-willed cynicism, making for a great record from start to finish.
- Ryan Naideau (February 20, 2013)
"We No Who U R"
"Finishing Jubilee Street"
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