Described as a primer on all things Nick Cave, Darker Than The Dawn is more than that. It is a deep dive into the life, loves and losses that make up one of our generation’s greatest creative artists. It is obviously also a labour of love for Steiner, only a genuine and long-time fan would even think of attempting something as labour-intensive as this and it is easy to imagine the author getting completely caught up in Cave’s work and mindset as he went to such lengths to analyse and research such a lengthy and diverse back catalogue and its interconnecting strands. Darker Than The Dawn is a great read for old fans and new, for those who are looking for a good introduction to Cave’s work and for those who have lived with it and would appreciate an in-depth analysis.

Louder Than War

Nick Cave has created a body of work across music, prose, and screen unmatched in its impact, depth, and erudition by few artists. At last, we have a critical analysis that does this achievement justice. Adam Steiner has set the benchmark for many years to come.

Mat Snow, former editor of Mojo, author of Nick Cave: Sinner Saint

“This is a great primer on all things Nick Cave—a solid, deep dive into where Nick Cave started from and how he made it to the present day. This is a must read for any Nick Cave fan, whether a newcomer or veteran."

Tony DuShane, author of Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk, former music columnist, San Francisco Chronicle

“For over forty years, Nick Cave's complex and richly allusive music has invited and rewarded close consideration. Scholarly, thorough, and insightful, Darker with the Dawn delivers the depth of analysis that Cave's body of work deserves.”

Simon Price, author of Curepedia: An A-Z Of The Cure

Adam Steiner’s Darker with the Dawn is a comprehensive analysis of the artistic evolution of Nick Cave, exploring how his personal experiences have shaped his music. From his early work’s violent and religious imagery to intimate and emotional imagery, Cave’s complex songwriting covers themes and genres, reflecting diverse musical tastes and creative impulses. Steiner examines the sources and meanings of Cave’s lyrics, revealing a multifaceted artist who constantly challenges himself and his audience with his twist of love and death.

Spill

In Darker with the Dawn, Adam Steiner rappels deep into Cave's songs of love and death.... Steiner is excellent on Cave's rock roots and biblical inspirations from language to imagery to themes.

Seen & Unseen