HOZIER: UNREAL and OTHERWORLDLY

It takes a special kind of talent to be able to make a large arena full of hundreds of

strangers feel like a safe space. But this past Wednesday, Hozier managed to do just that. From

the moment I stepped foot into the Pinnacle Bank Arena, there was a very specific energy

radiating throughout. Even down to the opener, Grammy Award winner, Allison Russell. This

feeling of earthly serenity. It was almost as if we were all a walking personification of Hozier’s

music. And if you consider the theory that we’re all made up of the culture that we consume,

then I guess that would add up.

I don’t know how else to explain Hozier’s music other than just pure peace. He has this

way of creating such an ethereal experience just through the sound of his voice. The singer

chooses chord progressions and runs that are deeply rooted in Celtic music, painting a picture

of running through wildflowers in your mind. For the most part, the singer spent most of his time

on stage with an acoustic guitar in his hand (occasionally swapping it out for electric for the

more rock inspired tunes and even a banjo once or twice). His band played alongside him with

stringed instruments, a piano that looked like it had been passed down for generations and

some seriously beautiful harmonies. But the really crazy part is that even after Hozier explained

that he was feeling a bit under the weather due to a recent sickness, the quality of his voice was

EXACTLY as if you were streaming him at home. The energy was high regardless of if he was

playing something more fast paced like “Too Sweet” or gentle like “I, Carrion”. He played songs

from the most recent album Unreal Unearth, that the tour is named after, but he also brought up

favorites from his previous works as well (my personal favorite being ‘Cherry Wine’). And we

even got a little taste of his most recently dropped EP called Unaired, which is now officially

released.

The show wasn’t too complex in terms of choreography or staging but it was thought

provoking when it came to the overall messaging. It was clear that he had shaped his setlist

with a story in mind. After performing one of his first released singles “Take Me to Church”,

Hozier placed two flags on the bars that extended from his microphones… one representing the

LGBTQ+ community and the other being the trans flag. He gave thanks to the fans for making

certain songs major points of success throughout his career. He even took a brief moment to

speak on some of the negativity going on not only in our country but in the world around us.

Mentioning the Middle East, the upcoming election and giving a brief history lesson on how the

American Civil Rights Movement that took place in the 60s had a direct impact on the

movement in Ireland. In the end leaving us with the encouragement that coming together and

standing for what you believe is right can truly make a difference, because it has in the past.

Now, did I leave the concert drenched in sweat with barely any voice left from screaming

so loud? No. But that doesn’t mean that Hozier didn’t still put on a good show. If you’re

someone who enjoys music filled with soulful lyrics and complex sounds, this would be the artist

to dive into. And if you’re ever lucky enough to see him or singers with a similar sound, I

strongly encourage putting your phone away and really trying to immerse yourself into the

overall experience. Escape from the world around you and just let the music wrap itself around

you and bring you in.

written by: Syd