While it may not be the most reputable place for a picnic, Hanging Rock provided a picturesque backdrop for Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’ Carnage tour.
For the first time as a duo, Cave and Ellis have brought their tour to Australia. With two recent shows having taken place at Hanging Rock over the weekend, and another two still to come in Melbourne this week, the duo’s passionate following as well as new fans have been jumping at the opportunity to see these artists live.
While it is exciting to have the two in Australia, it is particularly special for those of us in Victoria, as it is a homecoming for both musicians. Cave was born in Warracknabeal, while Ellis was born and raised in Ballarat. After living and touring abroad for so long, the return to regional Victoria provided genuine and mutual joy evident both in Nick Cave on stage and in the excitable crowd.
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Being an outdoor, festival-type event, the gig was at the mercy of the elements. Luckily, the weather played along for their November 25th show, and though it was muddy underfoot, it was a pleasant night for thousands of fans to enjoy the open-air performance. Kicking off with Aussie support artist Courtney Barnett, concertgoers were able to soak up the live music while day to turned to night.
Performing for well over two hours, Cave and Ellis’ repertoire was diverse, moving between slower and melancholic tunes, to their more upbeat songs which got the crowd up moving. Ellis showcased his incredible musical versatility, bouncing between instruments throughout the show. Well known for his skills on the violin, in which he tends to curl around while playing, Ellis also broke out the flute and the keyboard, and provided backing vocals and seated choreography. Very few can play an instrument to that level with their feet flailing around in the air, but Ellis pulled it off in his signature, endearing style.
Cave played the piano and kept the fans entranced with his distinctive and intense lyrical journey throughout the performance. Songs from their recent album Carnage, as well as other works from the duo from over the years were lapped up by the fans, including Hand of God, White Elephant, Balcony Man, Night Raid, Bright Horses, and Breathless. Experts at creating musical tension, and with lyrics that address the complexity of human emotion, as well as those which are plainly bizarre, those in attendance expressed a broad spectrum of feelings as the they moved through the setlist.
For those who may be unaware, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis have been performing together since the early 90s. The pair have played in bands together including Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Grinderman, and have also successfully composed and performed as a duo. Their friendship is clear to see on stage, and seems to be a key ingredient in their enduring collaboration and unique musical creations.
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If you have ever seen Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, you have heard these musicians in action. You know the infamous scene where Harry and Hermoine dance in the tent, providing a moment of reprieve and joy amongst all the darkness that surrounds them? They’re dancing to none other than O Children, by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. Recently, the pair have composed and recorded the soundtracks for two Netflix productions (Blonde, and DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story), and their careers include a vast array of awards, nominations, and EPs, for their work together as well as independently.
The Carnage tour hits Melbourne on November 30th, and you can find more information here.
