Chicago – Andrew Hozier-Byrne, the Irishman who has been melting hearts and turning concert halls into places of musical worship, played a sold-out show at the Riviera Theatre this past Wednesday night. The 24-year-old blues lover creates fantastic indie rock infused with a mix of gospel, soul, folk, and blues. Hearing Hozier live with his band proved to be awe-inspiring. His recordings simply don’t do justice to the amount of emotion felt from his powerful voice and outstanding guitar skills, making Hozier a must-see in concert!
The set started with “Angel Of Small Death And The Codeine Scene.” Steam rose from Hozier’s cup of tea, nestled in the holder attached to the mic stand, while he gently sang, “The sweet heat of her breath in my mouth I’m alive.” Hearing songs of Hozier (on Columbia Records in the U.S.) in-person was enough to bring any music lover to life. Best New Bands said Hozier’s live act showcases a “voice so powerful that it feels like, even from the high mezzanine, listeners could reach out and touch his thick vocals in the church air.”
Hozier played through his entire debut album. He also performed “Arsonist’s Lullabye” from his EP From Eden and “Run” off the deluxe edition of Hozier. When he introduced “To Be Alone,” girls screamed wildly. (Although women seemed to scream whenever Hozier spoke.) He talked a bit about Ireland, too. When he began to say, “If you’re from Ireland…” a group of people screamed, interrupting him. Clearly there were some natives in the house. Eventually he was able to get his point across. Then he went into a duet with cellist Alana Henderson. They harmonized beautifully for “In a Week,” which features Karen Cowley on the recording.
Next up was a cover of Skip James’ “Illinois Blues.” Before belting out the magnificent cover, he said, “I’m going to play a song that was very influential to me growing up… I’m going to play a blues number.” He talked a bit about Chicago, its music, and how very important the Chicago blues are to him. The blues lover felt right at home in the blues capital of the world. He talked about his love and appreciation for the city that nurtured so many of the greats that inspired him growing up. In fact, Hozier seemed the most comfortable in his skin during this fantastic blues piece. And man, can he play guitar!
After filling the Riviera with some blues, he began playing “Like Real People Do” by himself. Halfway through, his band came back out. It was chilling to hear the drums and background singers come in just as the song climaxed. Your respect for Hozier as an artist genuinely grows after seeing him live. It also becomes apparent why he so quickly rose to fame. He ended the set with the very song that helped him break out: “Take Me to Church.” He eventually emerged by himself after what seemed like an endless assault of screams and cheers for more; the screams became deafening once he actually took the stage. He started the encore with the sexy “Cherry Wine.” The band returned for “Run.” Yellow lights burst onto the crowd making people glisten like gold. Afterward Hozier said, “It’s usually about this time we do something fun. Usually. Usually. This night will b no different.” He chuckled and then talked about how he’s often asked to play covers for radio when touring and doing promo. He did a mix of covers, beginning with “1 Thing” by Amerie and then Ariana Grande’s “Problem” with a little bit of Warren G’s “Regulate.”
Hozier thanked the crowd and said, “This has been a lot of fun… It’s a pleasure to play for you.” Then he performed the final tune of the evening: “Work Song.” People began to clap along. Groups of friends huddled together, swaying, and singing joyfully.
Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson, who simply goes by Ásgeir, has been touring with Hozier on his North American tour. Recently the Best New Bands Featured Artist confessed that this tour would be a bit different for him, as he was stripping his band to a three-piece, but said he was “excited to try out the songs in this different set up.” The 22-year-old Icelandic singer-songwriter sang songs in both English and Icelandic and made use of guitars, keys, and synths. Despite there only being three, he still managed to bring his melodic folk to life.
He started the night off with “Head in the Snow,” which seemed fitting given the thick, dense snow falling that evening. Heads and coats covered in snow could be seen moving towards the stage as latecomers rushed inside. The storm and the ensuing traffic may have put a damper on the start of night for some, but Ásgeir’s angelic voice – which especially peaked in “Going Home” – was an instant fix. He ended his set with his wonderful single “King and Cross,” off his English language debut In The Silence.
Hozier will be touring North America and Europe throughout 2015. He will also be playing several festivals, including Coachella and Bonnaroo. Hozier is available for purchase on iTunes.
This May, Ásgeir will be touring with alt-J in Australia.
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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