poppedmusic

Hozier

Released October 6th 2014

From the outset Hozier sets the tone for his debut album; it’s somewhat bleak and morbid, to put it bluntly. Though despite this there is still something uplifting to be found in listening to his divinely effortless vocal and the intricate guitar that both sings and sobs.

Take Me To Church may well have been shoved down people’s throats a little bit over the last few months (I can’t think of a place or situation I’ve not heard it in) but that said anyone is going to be shoving anything anywhere I’d rather this than the usual pop drivel. It clearly sets the scene, clearly shows of Hozier’s writing talent, his vocal and as I said, sets the tone for the album. It’s a genius choice for a lead single.

It has to be said that I am somewhat concerned for Hozier’s mental well being at times. He seems obsessed with death and even suicide. At every turn there’s a reference to it. In A Week touts a musically beautiful pretty ditty, with the most depressing undercurrent of loss I’ve ever heard; “They’d find us in a week when the weather gets hot, after the insects have made their claim, after the foxes have known our taste after the raven has had his say. I’ll be home with you”. It’s difficult to feel uncomfortable about this morbid outlook when it’s presented so beautifully and so sincerely.

Work Song presents yet more deathly lyrics “when my time comes around lay me gently in the cold dark earth. No grave can hold my body down, I’ll crawl home to her” and yet again when you listen you don’t feel like it’s a sad song, you want to rejoice in it somehow. Even his single From Eden begins like it’s going one way before it does a 180 on you and throws out the lyrics “ To the strand, a picnic plan for you and me. A rope in hand, for your other man, to hang from a tree”. Whilst it might be a bit of a shocker to hear, it only goes further in proving the intelligence of this man’s song writing. I also need to note how cleverly constructed this song is as a whole. The breakdown with an oh so Spanish Flamenco flavour that mirrors the fighting passion of the lyrics so perfectly makes this track stand out from others.

Single Sedated could have a second layer of meaning if you so wish to delve into it. While so clearly a song about drug addition, I feel like the lyrics also somehow distort into a political tale. A tale of being sedated – told what to do, how to feel and we can’t see or feel it. That might not be at all how Hozier would wish the song to be construed but something in the lyrics stirred a hot and bothered reaction in me against politics and the media. After all, we are all being spoon fed a poison of sorts to keep us in check.

Lighter notes can be found in the likes of Jackie and Wilson, which includes the, almost uncharacteristic, fun lyric “we’ll name our children Jackie and Wilson raise them on rhythm and blues”. It’s a really upbeat song, with still just a hint at the grim “every version of me dead and buried in the yard outside”. The gospel sounds and harmonies in this also make you feel like you’ve just been given a big warm hug. It’s only a shame the end of the song doesn’t have quite the same lyrical warmth and you realise that it’s a sad ending. Time to take a big heavy sigh.

Despite the over all doom and gloom, the thing about this album, and well the thing about Hozier, is that he could quite frankly sing the phone book (though I think the obituaries might suit him better) and I’d believe every word. His vocal comes so easy and so full of sincerity you can just feel it whisper to you. It’s such an odd sensation, to feel comforted by a voice that’s singing the most melancholy of tales. This is an intelligent album for those who aren’t against songs being tickled by a huge hooded and cloaked grim reaper.

Listen to From Eden here:

Watch the video for Sedated here:

http://youtu.be/6T46AdXR328