Andrew Hozier-Byrne, known professionally as Hozier, is an Irish musician, singer and songwriter. You may know him from the viral song “Take Me to Church”, but he is so much more than that. On Friday evening at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, he bought a full repertoire of songs from his collection of folk, soul and blues music, celebrating life and his love of Ireland.
For this tour, Hozier has bought along an American singer-songwriter, Joy Oladokun, with her blend of pop and R&B songs that celebrate her life as a queer woman of colour. She featured three tracks from her 2024 album, Observations From a Crowded Room, with the idea of living with no home – a nod to her inner demons. “I’d Miss The Birds” tells the story of what she’d miss most about leaving the country for the city. “Strong Ones” is a poignant track with elements of Taylor Swift’s “Anti Hero”.
Keeping with the avian theme, a cover of The Beatles “Blackbird” was a beautiful rendition.
After a short interval, it was time for Hozier to take to the stage. Opening with the first two tracks of his 2023 album Unreal Unearth, “De Selby (parts 1&2)”, he is bathed in a waterfall of light, while the Gaelic and English lyrics are played across the side screens. De Selby is a fictional character created by Irish writer Flann O’Brien for his novel The Third Policeman. From here we are led into a path that will take us into hell.
The songs are selected from the 2014 self-titled album, 2019’s Wasteland, Baby! and Unreal Unearth. His songs have a darkness to them that belies his upbeat personality. Titles such as “Eat Your Young”, “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene” and “Icarian” hint at something hidden below the surface, Icarus’s attempt to fly to the sun ending in his demise. Indeed as we watch, trees grow down from the top of the stage as we find ourselves in a kind of hell.
The visuals were stunning, beautiful and breathtaking, with Wes Viz’s work reflecting the mood and feeling of Hozier’s lyrics.
During “It Will Come Back”, the house lights came up to show a sea of phone lights swaying to the music. It was magical moments such as these that made the event special. He added one song “NFWMB” as an additional number due to a fan request. “Too Sweet”. “Almost (Sweet Music)” and “Movement” almost finished the set before launching into a rousing rendition of “Take Me to Church”.
The encore finds Hozier in a second stage just behind the mixing desk in the GA area. He sings “Cherry Wine” and “Unknown/ Nth” before returning to the main stage. He sings a duet with Melissa McMillan, “Nina Cried Power” a tribute to Mavis Staples, before Joy Oladokun returned with “Work Song”.
Hozier is a songwriter who cares. His introduction of the band members didn’t just stop at the performers: Alex Ryan – Bass and musical direction, Kellen Wenrich – violin, guitar, Larissa Maestro – cello and guitar, Ryan Connors – organ, keyboard, Joy Morales – keyboard and synth, Rory Doyle – drums, Melissa McMillan – keys and vocals, and Kamilah – synth, keys and vocals. He appreciated the work done by the sound engineers, lighting techs, tour managers and more. He is an artist who truly cares and puts on an incredible show.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Hozier’s Unreal Unearth Tour tickets are selling fast:
Tue 12 Nov 2024
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC
Wed 13 Nov 2024
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC
Fri 15 Nov 2024
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW
