Listening to Hozier’s music on a streaming platform like Spotify or Apple Music can be transformative. But hearing him in person is a whole new level of amazing.
Before watching Hozier perform, I knew I was a fan; but after seeing him live, the admiration I have for his songwriting skills and vocals has been bolstered. All the way from Bray, Ireland, Hozier recently joined us at The Anthem on the eighth stop of the USA leg of his tour, Unreal Unearth. He spent the summer performing throughout Europe and will be touring the United States until early November.
Hozier managed to sell out two back-to-back nights at The Anthem, including my show on Sept. 26, which is definitely a good sign of how the USA leg of the tour is going so far.
Celebrating his third studio album, Unreal Unearth, the show Hozier put on was out of this world at The Anthem. With intricate screens framing the band against the back of the stage and trees hanging upside-down from above the stage to fit the scene and vibe of his latest album, the set was incredibly well-designed and meshed perfectly with the feel of Hozier’s music.
While frequently attending open mic nights throughout Dublin, Ireland, Hozier wrote his most streamed song, “Take Me to Church,” which opened endless opportunities as it gained popularity, even peaking at number two on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2013. Hozier’s career has only progressed since, as he’s been nominated for a Grammy and iHeartRadio awards, and just last year won a Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Song in a Video Game.
Listen to Hozier’s latest album, Unreal Unearth, here on Spotify.
My personal favorite song off his setlist was “Cherry Wine.” It’s a beautiful indie folk ballad about an abusive relationship and grappling with the fact that despite the abuse, there is still love within the relationship. Though Hozier had to stop a little more than halfway through the song due to a health issue with an audience member, he was able to make up for the brief pause by leading the audience in a stunning choir as he prompted everyone to sing along.
All around, the show was incredible. His skill is more than deserving of the sold-out crowds he brought to The Wharf last week, and if you have the opportunity to catch him before his tour ends in November, I wouldn’t give it a second thought.
Hozier’s setlist:
- De Selby (Part 1)
- De Selby (Part 2)
- Jackie and Wilson
- From Eden
- Francesca
- To Be Alone
- Dinner & Diatribes
- Movement
- I, Carrion (Icarian)
- Cherry Wine
- To Someone From A Warm Climate
- First Time
- Would That I
- Abstract (Unreleased)
- Almost (Sweet Music)
- Like Real People Do
- First Light
- Eat Your Young
- Take Me to Church
- Nina Cried Power
- Unknown/Nth
- Work Song (with Madison Cunningham)
Below are additional photos of Hozier at The Anthem on Sept. 26, 2023. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Katie Child.
