Irish singer-songwriter Hozier embarks on a captivating musical journey with his third album, Unreal Unearth. Demonstrating his versatility and range, Hozier delves into new territory with a collection of tracks that showcase his ability to navigate various genres and musical styles.
The album kicks off with a two-part opening, “De Selby (Part 1)” and “De Selby (Part 2),” which transition from stripped-back acoustic picking and falsetto vocals to funk-filled electro-pop. This dynamic start sets the tone for the album’s exploration of diverse soundscapes. Throughout Unreal Unearth, Hozier weaves a tapestry of styles, from softer piano ballads like ‘Butchered Tongue’ to up-tempo folk-pop in “Anything But” and fuzzy-guitar rock in “Francesca.”
Synths add pulsing energy to tracks like “Damage Gets Done,” where Hozier collaborates with singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. He seamlessly shifts between moments of sparseness, as seen in the minimalist “To Someone From A Warm Climate (Uiscefhuarithe),” and expansive compositions like the sprawling interlude “Son of Nyx.” This variety in musical arrangement keeps the listener engaged and intrigued.
Hozier’s vocal prowess shines on Unreal Unearth, where he masterfully balances understated performances with powerful and impassioned deliveries. His lyrics maintain his signature poeticism, with lines like “Infinitely suffering but fighting off / Like all creation / The absence of itself,” juxtaposed with moments of wry humor.
The album’s theme is inspired by Dante’s Inferno, structured around the concept of the nine circles of hell. This thematic framework adds depth and cohesion to the project, as Hozier crafts songs that explore different emotional landscapes and experiences.
Unreal Unearth culminates with the soaring and dramatic closing track, “First Light,” which layers a foreboding choir of voices with intricate guitar work and sweeping strings. The album as a whole demonstrates singers willingness to explore new sonic territories and his ability to create an ethereal and captivating musical experience.
With Unreal Unearth, Hozier proves that he is not afraid to take risks and push his artistic boundaries, resulting in an album that is epic, expansive, and deeply resonant. As listeners embark on this musical journey, it becomes clear that Hozier’s exploration of new musical realms is indeed a journey worth taking.