Los Angeles – Watching Hozier perform at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on a recent night was divine. The sound that spilled from his unassuming persona was like a holy adventure on its own, but the addition of his thoughtful lyrics, cellist, and old-school back-up singers got the audience to their feet in awe. With the help of his beautiful sinners, the Irish singer-songwriter’s deep and velvety tones were left to shine with perfection under the gothic chandeliers in front of the stained glass art of saints.

The natural and flawless meld of layers must be credited to being in a place of worship — there is really no other explanation. Unless, that is, we can admit Andrew Hozier-Byrne is a surreal talent.  The crooner stepped into the role of musically inclined, flannel-wearing preacher as the sold-out crowd filled the 1,000-plus seat venue and carefully listened to each syllable he uttered.

The overnight success—the 24-year-old performed on Saturday Night Live earlier this month—began with favorites like “Someone New” that stayed faithful to the recorded version, but there was something more. His voice is so powerful that it feels like, even from the high mezzanine, listeners could reach out and touch his thick vocals in the church air.

And then something really incredible happened. Hozier dismissed his six-person band, walked down the aisle without a mic and worked through a rendition of Skip James’ blues-drenched “Illinois Blues.” He whispered, “I’m gonna give my baby, everything she need,” as though he invited everyone in on a devilish secret.

Then came the moment that drew most people to attend the spectacle: “Take Me To Church.” Hozier’s live version of his biggest hit was as metamorphic as anyone could hope. It was just as great as the rousing, recorded version, although with a gust of extra soul. The mildly disheveled and puppy-eyed look behind the musician only helped sell about worshipping a woman.

But Hozier isn’t all about the heartache and “blood as rare and sweet as cherry wine.” He also has a lighter side. One example? Hozier’s encore. The crooner set aside existential questions to perform a cover of Amerie’s “One Thing” and his breathless transition to up-tempo chords got the crowd to loosen from their bluesy haze to shake.

Hozier’s self-titled debut album was released earlier this month (via Columbia in the U.S.). He has only recently been introduced to the abyss of the business, but his songs are rightfully early classics in a genre that spans a century. He is a power, both in the studio and on the stage, who will transcend time and genre for all to enjoy. If you haven’t experienced Hozier live, you are missing a true artistic experience in the modern music world.

Although Hozier’s remaining Fall U.S. dates are all sold-out, some tickets remain for various shows of the European tour that follows.

Hozier returns to North America in February and March at bigger venues, most of which are also sold-out.  But do what you can to see this star-in-the-making.

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Ariela Kozin

Ariela was born and raised on Los Angeles' creative hunger and booming sounds. She grew up humming the Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan records her mother played on repeat until a driver's license gave her the freedom to obsessively explore the live music scene. It only seemed natural that when Ariela went to journalism school, she paired her love of writing with her passion for discovering amazing new music.

Latest posts by Ariela Kozin (see all)

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