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Written by: Laasya Kandula
On August 18th, 2023, Irish singer Hozier released his third studio album, “Unreal Unearth” after a nearly five year hiatus.
Hozier has captivated audiences with his poetic lyricism, often using religious and literary themes in his music, referencing stories such as Adam and Eve in “From Eden”, the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in “Talk”, and the entire album of “Unreal Unearth” being inspired by “Dante’s Inferno”. Ever since his groundbreaking release of “Take Me to Church” in 2013, a song about “asserting yourself and reclaiming your humanity through an act of love”, his music strikes a chord through many for it’s raw, tender and devoted depictions of love that can be understood and felt by anyone regardless of who they are and who they love.
On September 17th, Hozier perfomred at the final show of the CityFolk festival, held at Landsdowne Park.My throat was sore for an entire day afterwards from all of the screaming I did. It was after he performed “Would That I” that he looked towards my section and said there were many words in that song, and he was pleased to see that we knew all of the lyrics.
I had been anticipating this show ever since he announced the release of “Unreal Unearth”, and begged my mom to buy a ticket and that I would wake up for school the next day and still keep up with my work. The last time he came to Ottawa was in 2018, meaning that it had been a good five years since he last set foot in this city. Who knew when he would come next? Sure, all big singers visit Toronto, but how many really care about Ottawa? I remember being towards the front of the stage, standing for over three hours waiting for him in anticipation. The crowd was getting antsy, college kids were drunk and getting aggressive with others, someone already passed out and had to get medical assistance. My nerves heeded the second the lights dimmed and he took his place at the front of the stage.
Everything about his performance was incredible, from his vocals, the song selection, and his incredibly talented band who performed alongside him. Being pressed against the sweaty bodies of strangers in the crowd was the only thing keeping me from passing out right then and there.
My expectations for his new album were incredibly high, as his previous two albums, “Hozier” and “Wasteland, Baby!” are both on my list of being some of the best albums of all time.
“Unreal Unearth” surpassed my expectations. It would feel redundant to simply call it beautiful, as with all music by Hozier, that’s just a given. His music continues to be beautifully written and composed, with Irish and folk influences throughout the album. It’s ever present in “De Selby (Part 1)” where the last verses of the song are in Irish.
If I had to pick my top three tracks of the album, I would choose “De Selby (Part 2)”, “Francesca”, and “Son of Nyx”.
“De Selby (Part 2)” is like many of Hozier’s works. A vibrant and uplifting song that speaks of longing and devotion to the one you love, to the point of blocking out the sun before the dawn comes if they so want it. It’s catchy and is a real earworm, as I have been torturing Spotify by listening to it on repeat.
“Francesca” is similar to “De Selby (Part 2)” in being about unwavering dedication and loyalty to the one you love. The song is about wanting to be with someone regardless of the pain that comes with it, and to even say you’d go back through hell and storms just to do so. It’s a classic Hozier song, and it’s also uplifting and motivating to listen to. I like to put it on in the background while I do my work, but end up forgetting about work and just listening to it instead.
“Son of Nyx” couldn’t be anymore different than the previous two songs I just covered. It’s an orchestral piece, with no lyrics. I don’t have much to say about this song other than the fact that it just sounds beautiful. It’s soothing to my ears and my soul, and it reminds me that there is beauty out there in the world even if I cannot see it presently.
Overall, this album was groundbreaking and incredible. Hozier has truly outdone himself again. He has created a piece of art so impactful it makes me confused as to how I should feel about it. I feel happy and energetic listening, and then a wave of sadness crashes over my body as I realize how truly beautiful this album is and that I am blessed to be alive in the same time period that it was released.
I would give this an overall 10/10. I would also recommend this album to everyone regardless of personal music preferences. Even if they do not like it, they will have left experiencing the stirring and provoking writing and works of Hozier himself, and that should be enough.
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