By Peculiar Ibhawoh
Unreal Unearth, Hozier’s latest album, takes us on a profound journey into a world where music and philosophy intertwine. Delving into themes of connection, self-discovery, and the enigmatic dance of time and space, Hozier embarks on a soul-stirring odyssey inspired by De Selby, a character in Flann O' Brien's The Third Policeman and Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.
Nine years have passed since Hozier released "Take Me to Church", the globally acclaimed song which powered his meteoric rise with moving lyrics and somber melodies. In his self-titled debut album, Hozier, he showcased his deep vocals and bluesy folk-rock style, and with the release of his sophomore album, "Wasteland, Baby!", his presence was solidified. The album highlighted his ability to seamlessly blend introspection and groove in tracks like "Movement" and "Almost (Sweet Music)".
Unreal Unearth now stands out as a daring departure from what we have come to know. Hozier seems to be pushing the boundaries of his own talent while giving us a glimpse into his development as a songwriter. Everything from his past work is still present, but it has been given a fresh sense of sound exploration showcasing his development as a musician who isn't afraid to try new things, mix genres, and delve into the dark and light of existence.
The album commences with "De Selby Part 1", a track that establishes the mood for the listeners' introspective journey. The sparse instrumental grabs us by the heartstrings and brings us into a contemplative environment, while Hozier's poetic touch paints a picture of incomprehensible darkness as something both impenetrable and closely linked to the fabric of reality. This inward exploration reflects De Selby's unusual and intellectual personality, as represented in Flann O'Brien's writings. Lines in this song about sitting in the dark and not knowing who you are, allude to De Selby's unorthodox views that challenge conventional comprehension and dive into abstract realms.
Hozier twists the narrative as he moves fluidly into "De Selby Part 2”. We are given a taste of the artist's range thanks to the faster tempo and electro-pop components of the song. The lyrics take on an urgent tone, expressing a longing to break free from the limits of reality and enter another state of existence. These thoughts are consistent with De Selby's philosophical ideas about transcending ordinary perceptions and exploring unconventional depths. With the addition of a traditional Irish ending, Hozier seems to be luring us into a mystery we can't resist.
Just when we think we’ve figured it out, “Francesca”, the fourth track, spotlights Hozier’s storytelling mastery. The song explores the idea of unconditional love by presenting a love that is so profound it seems to have no bounds on earth. This song which is influenced by the circle of lust in Dante's "Divine Comedy", acts as a link between music and literature, demonstrating that Hozier's growth isn't just about sound but also about storytelling.
As we continue to explore Unreal Unearth, we can see more and more parallels to Dante's journey in terms of both thematic richness and emotional depth. "Eat Your Young", a song that not only captured TikTok's interest but also exemplifies Hozier's talent for fusing music and storytelling includes a chaotic imagery of feasting. This connection to gluttony resonates with the themes of punishment for indulgence in Dante's work. This serves as a reminder that Hozier's work is about more than just writing great songs; it is also about expressing stories that are more specifically, relevant to the human condition.
Throughout the album, Hozier’s lyrical journey serves as an instrument for reflection. His writing has a certain imagery, a vividness that paints pictures and stirs feelings. These scenes are painted on a canvas created by the background sounds. The end product is an album that can be both heard and felt. This is what he does in “To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuaraithe)”, he paints a vivid picture of moments frozen in memory. The imagery of finding warmth in the cold, shaking off the chill, and wrapping oneself in a blanket creates a sensory connection to the emotions described.
With its cinematic aura, the three-minute instrumental interlude "Son of Nyx" produces an atmospheric shift that signals a change from upbeat to somber. "All Things End" follows it, exploring the idea of closure and the transient nature of various facets of existence. While on the surface, this song speaks of the end of a romantic relationship, there is an examination of closure and acceptance that could be related to the concepts of letting go and moving forward found in Dante's comedy's "Purgatory" section. Hozier sings about accepting endings and shifting perspectives. The listener is being told to let go.
At this point, it is no news that Hozier has a gift for intertwining songs and stories. But as Unreal Unearth develops, it becomes evident that his musical talent goes beyond that. His ability to combine a wide variety of sounds, including harmonies between shouts, claps, and complex guitar nuances, is demonstrated by the record. As we experience when listening to "Abstract (Psychopomp)", these distinctive aspects take listeners on an enthralling emotional journey, guiding us into the uncharted depths of our minds and souls.
Unreal Unearth isn't simply an album—it's an expedition of music, literature, and feeling. This realization dawns on us as the album comes to a close with "First Light", giving the impression that we are nearing the end of a journey. In Dante's "Paradise", the final section of the epic poem, the journey leads to a state of divine understanding and ultimate enlightenment. Similarly, Hozier appears to be breaking free from the darkness and gaining regeneration, clarity and enlightenment.
It becomes evident at the end that Hozier's artistry transcends the boundaries of conventional music. He isn't just singing songs; he's crafting stories that burrow into our souls. From his debut to this musical odyssey, Hozier has clearly matured. He is a creative individual who is not bound by genre or subject, and we can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
About the Writer
Peculiar Ibhawoh is a passionate storyteller who loves using words to convey real stories, even the uncomfortable ones. As a self-published author and ghostwriter, she explores the depths of human experiences, celebrating joys and exploring hardships. Currently, you can find her short stories on Medium and her guest contributions gracing the pages of Erato Magazine.
Wow this was exceptionally written, well done Peculiar!
A clear and enjoyable review for what I could only describe as one of THE best albums this year!
I absolutely adored this album!! It was so different, yet so incredibly Hozier