The heavy album (2016) was recorded when Nick Caves son Arthur passed away, but was largely finished before the drama took place. On Ghosteen, Cave is thus even more grasped by this loss. It is therefore an extension of Skeleton Tree, although the tone is more meditative in nature. Mostly minimal electronics framed Caves monologues. The songs crawl past you and because of their tranquility they
… almost form a comforting whole - a kind of acceptance - without shying away from the pain of the grieving process. The utopian setting of the album cover is therefore somewhat misleading at first sight. Until you understand that embracing sadness can also contain beauty. That is what Ghosteen promotes. (JvQ)more