Hozier’s rich vocals cascaded across the sold out audience at Huntington Bank Pavilion in Chicago on Tuesday night, providing a transcendent, spiritual, and undeniably unforgettable journey of sound.
Known perhaps best for his hit “Take Me to Church” (which celebrated its 10 year anniversary the following day), Hozier’s storytelling combined with influences of soul, folk, and rock has allowed him to continue creating a steady stream of hits since his debut EP release in 2013.
An expert at making the crowd of 30,000 feel like personally invited guests, Hozier expressed his excitement towards promoting his newest album Unreal Unearth, telling Billboard: “This is the first time that I’ll be singing songs in the Irish language or singing parts of songs that are in Irish Gaelic. So I’m really excited to [play] Madison Square Garden or Hollywood Bowl, and sing in Gaeilge [the Irish language]… and watch as, hopefully, concertgoers and fans learn those lines and maybe even sing it with me.”
Prefacing his new song “To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe),” Hozier explained that this title translates to “the feeling of cold only water brings.” A slow, melodic break in the middle of his set, it was a stunning moment to see Hozier’s wishes come true as the dedicated crowd sang along.
Ending the night and taking a few minutes to personally introduce each band member, Hozier then expressed his gratitude towards his entire behind the scenes team, with credits displayed on the big screen noting the individual bus drivers, gaffers, and every member who was on the road with the award-winning performer.
The second show of his US “Unreal, Unearth” tour, Hozier is now venturing coast to coast through November. Bringing his effortless charm, Irish heritage and vocals that sound somehow as crisp—if not even better than the recordings—I wholeheartedly urge you to catch this performance.
