Trinity College Dublin’s legacy Andrew Hozier-Byrne returns to Manchester as he prepares to release his third album Unreal Earth. Hozier enchants Manchester with his poetic and mesmerising lyrics as the rain falls onto the yearning crowd. Songs from his debut album, Wasteland Baby!, and a few new songs that have already gained traction and acclaim in the media and his dedicated fanbase are played. The brooding folk-pop Irish giant prepares his fanbase with these summer shows in the build-up for what will be another career-defining and moving album release: these intimate shows are not to be missed as Hozier deserves all the recognition possible as one of the most influential folk voices of this generation.
Taking to the stage in the pouring rain, Hozier instantly captivates the crowd with the lead single off his new album Unreal Earth, ‘Eat Your Young’. Despite the weather conditions, the audience belts along and creates an atmosphere of union and tranquillity as Hozier’s powerful vocals fascinate and bewitch the entire venue. The beauty of Castlefield Bowl being an outdoor arena allows the vocal talents of both Hozier and his incredible chorus of a band to echo as the crowd sings: “Pull up the ladder when the flood comes”.
As the beginning chords for ‘Jackie and Wilson’ play, the atmosphere in the crowd reaches a high: Hozier’s debut album remains a ground-breaking and memorable release, and the crowd’s reaction to hearing these older songs on the setlist does not doubt that. Back-to-back classics such as ‘From Eden’, ‘To Be Alone’ and ‘Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene’ appear, proving old material still holds a special place in these Hozier supporter’s hearts: dedication to him remains despite his long break from touring.
The artist never shies away from literature references within his poetic songwriting. ‘Francesca’ from the new album Unreal Earth proves this statement. Prefacing with the epic poem Dante’s Inferno, the crowd becomes silent and hangs on Hozier’s every word. “These people shared a love they paid the ultimate price for, death”. Continuing: “This song [Francesca] turns the punishment on its head, cause how can it be punishment being in an entirety forever with the person you truly love”. Hearing the well-thought-out and analytical meanings behind Hozier’s writing sends the crowd into a hypnotic spiral: a church-like choral sound reciprocates back at Hozier from the attendees.
As the diverse and vastly talented band accompanying Hozier throughout this tour exits the stage, he grabs his acoustic guitar as the lighting swiftly fades to red. Whispers are heard from avid supporters as they know what is happening, ‘Cherry Wine’ acoustic. “Now you are left with little old me” he jokes as he strums the intro to one of his darkest songs in terms of theme. An admiring silence falls as the Irish singer holds the crowd in his magical tone: silence like this shows pure respect and admiration. As Hozier drops out for the last chorus, the audience screams: “The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine”. An instant uproar of cheers and tears for the singer bellows from the crowd.
The Spanish-American Victoria Canal, the first support act of the evening, returns to the stage to join Hozier in a beautiful and remarkable rendition of ‘Like Real People Do’. Giggles are shared between the two as they harmonise intensely during the hook: “We should just kiss like real people do”. He does not fail to appreciate talented and budding artists he brings along on tour with him and proves him to be a kind-hearted and generous giant.
Reception from the crowd reaches an all-time high when the classic ‘Take Me To Church’ begins to play. Singing about a forbidden relationship between two men and the Catholic Church that gained Hozier mainstream traction and an impressive fanbase, the importance of the song fills the air. Tears flow in the audience as friends embrace each other. Joining the crowd for the final chorus, Hozier pulls himself over the barrier and embraces the connection with his fans for a song which landed him such an important record deal and outstanding career. “You have got pipes for days” Hozier yells as he slowly walks off stage as the crowd questions if there will be an encore.
“This crowd is quite special” Hozier exclaims as he returns to the stage for the encore of this magical and ethereal show. After giving his band and touring crew a well-deserved introduction and thank you, the crowd cheers and ‘Unknown/Nht’ is played. The venue reverts to silence as the crowd admires the beauty of this new single along with Hozier’s chilling yet powerful deliverance of the final chorus. Bidding a farewell ‘Work Song’ from Hozier’s debut album begins as a unified crowd embraces one another as they chant: “When my time comes around lay me gently in the cold dark earth”.
With the Unreal Earth release being next month, it is clear that this Hozier sold-out Manchester show prepares the fans for the imminent return of the Irish Folk singer. While the setlist consists of mainly older songs, the new and fresher tracks heighten the enjoyment and excitement for the new project. Hozier achieves a vision of etherealness and tranquillity during the Castlefield Bowl show: Hozier is a true poetic visionary with long flowing black hair and an acoustic guitar.
