Hozier’s Unreal Unearth Sprouts A New Album and Tour

Two Sold Out Nights In D.C. with the Unreal Unearth Tour

Hozier

Perhaps one of the most well known and vocally skilled musicians from Ireland of our time, there’s no arguing that Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, better known as Hozier has made a big splash in the music world and has grown a large and dedicated fan base in the ten years since his debut single “Take Me To Church”.

This is proven by the fact that most shows on his Unreal Unearth Tour have sold out or added additional dates. The name of the tour draws inspiration from his recently released album ‘Unreal Unearth’ which became available in August of 2023.

For DC, this show took place at the incredible Anthem and due to strong demand became a two night residence. Both being completely sold out. Proving the strong demand and excitement fans had to experience the magic of Hozier.

As the room filled and the set was ready to begin the sounds of fans roaring with excitement echoed throughout the large venue. In keeping with the theme of the tour name and celebration of the new album, the first two songs of the set were also the first two tracks from the album.

“De Selby (Part 1)” and “De Selby (Part 2)” as the lights grew from a faint illumination to a grand spectacle of direct light, colors and blend of motion graphics behind him. Shortly after the jams kicked into high gear with many fans favorites, “Jackie and Wilson“.

This was a show that had me completely in a trance the entire time because of how beautiful not only the production was, as the band was evenly spaced across the stage and elevated so you had visibility to everyone, but the quality and beauty of the the sounds that were being created.

The instrument and vocals were so well balanced but above all the vocals of Hozier were so mind blowing that it’s appropriate to call them angelic. So may even say that his recorded versions of his songs don’t do justice to the talent found in the live experience.

As upside down trees and their roots grew from the ceiling signifying that we were underground the sounds of “To Be Alone” began and following this the power of “Dinner & Diatribes” would be upon us. This created a true rock out moment for the band and truly highlighted the vocal range and synchronicity of those on stage.

Speaking of being connected on stage, harmonies were in full force as “I, Carrion (Icarian)” was gifted to the audience. He then took us back to one of his first songs ever released and still to this day exists in its live form, that song being one named “Cherry Wine“. While there was a medical emergency that took place half way through, Hozier handled the moment seamlessly as he stopped the show and awaited a thumbs up from everyone in the crowd to ensure everyone was OK and attended to. He then completed the song without missing a beat.

The magical moments continued as “Would That I” brought along the fans as the room created a beautiful accompanying chorus. We were also treated to the debut live performance of “Abstract (Psychopomp)” before we were transported back above ground to the ethereal vocals found within “First Light”

As the set drew closer to an end it was time for the big hits and the encore. Closing out the main set was the debut single and massive hit that introduced everyone to the Irishman, “Take Me to Church”. For the strongly demanded encore he brought “Nina Cried Power” to DC before closing with the iconic “Work Song” accompanied by opening act and fellow Indie-Folk/Alternative artist Madison Cunningham. A truly incredible set from beginning to end.

Madison Cunningham

Joining Hozier on this stateside leg of tour, as mentioned above was the equally talented Madison Cunningham. Growing up in LA she only just recently found herself on the music scene as she began performing in 2017 then two years later released her debut album ‘Who Are You Now’ which quickly put her on the radar of many as her talent and unique vocals would eventually lead her to win Best Folk Album Grammy with her second album ‘Revealer’.

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Her ability to shred on the guitar mixed with her wildly impressive vocals create musical magic within songs like “Hospital” or a personal favorite of mine “Life According to Raechel”.