Nick Cave and his Bad Seeds bloom at the Balboa

Nick Cave's shadow bounced across the wall, resembling a black skeleton dancing a jig, while he wailed about a mofo named "Stagger Lee."

Alongside his band the Bad Seeds, Cave tore through a two-hour set in support of his new album Push The Sky Away. The album was duly represented alongside some of Cave's more notorious songs, such as "The Mercy Seat" and "From Her to Eternity."

Cave showed his softer side, as well, sitting down at his piano to plunk out salty weepers such as "Into My Arms" and "Love Letter," his voice aching with tenderness. At one point, while performing one of his most popular songs, "Red Right Hand," Cave dove into the audience and began to dance with them. From my vantage point, it looked as if the audience were devouring Cave in their clutches, tearing him apart. Knowing Cave, he would find this demise amusing.

Concert: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
Date: April 16
Venue: Balboa Theatre
Seats: Orchestra, Row R