Unreal Unearth by Hozier
This Album has 3 Moose on the Moose Meter: 🫎🫎🫎
In the throes of Andrew Hozier-Byrne’s latest musical endeavor, Unreal Unearth, one finds an eloquent tapestry of soulful rock infused with literary profundity. Released on 18 August 2023, the album captures Hozier's quest for understanding during the solitude of the pandemic. The Irish maestro does not shy away from profound inspirations, channeling the haunting imagery of Dante’s Inferno, shaping his lyrics around the nine circles of Hell. The exploration seems both an ode to the trying times of the past years and a reflection of Hozier's intimate confrontation with himself.
The album’s lead singles, "Eat Your Young" and "Francesca", echo the familiar roots of his distinct sound - a blend of folk, soul, and rock. Yet, what stands out is Hozier’s inaugural venture into singing in the Irish language, particularly in the evocative "Butchered Tongue". The song, a poignant nod to the British colonial endeavors to quash the native tongue, not only resonates with history but also accentuates Hozier’s deeper connection to his homeland.
Tracks like "De Selby (Part 1)" and "De Selby (Part 2)" act as dual spectacles of Hozier’s capability. While the former emanates a softer, contemplative warmth, the latter surges with an urgency, almost yearning to break free. "First Light" and "Unknown/Nth" anchor the album with an ethereal, almost chilling beauty, showcasing Hozier's knack for infusing deep emotional landscapes into his melodies.
The allure of Hozier has always been his ability to amalgamate the classic with the contemporary. This sentiment resonates profoundly in "Damage Gets Done", a duet with Brandi Carlile, which, despite its radio-friendly construct, seamlessly ties into the album's overarching themes of introspection, resilience, and redemption.
A follow-up to his previous globally acclaimed works, Unreal Unearth offers listeners an intricate narrative, echoing the trials and tribulations of the era it was birthed in. Hozier’s third studio album not only showcases his growth since the attic days of “Take Me to Church” but also cements his position as a global torchbearer of indie-rock songwriting infused with unparalleled soul.