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Review Wed Oct 29 2014
Hozier Takes Us to Church @ Metro, 10/26
Hozier is a name I've been hearing quite frequently lately, buzzing about my city, and surely beyond. Whether it is hearing his hit song, "Take Me To Church," on radio station after radio station, and music stream after music stream, or talking to my friends about his emotive, expressive rock sound infused with folk, I was overjoyed to see him perform his breakout album live to a sold out crowd at the Metro, with the show opened by the talented James Bay.
James Bay is a new force to be reckoned with. A London-based artist at only 23 years old, he is able to craft effortless folk music that entrances and captivates from the moment he sings his first lyric. He has released two EPs in the past two years, which have allowed him to attract a fan base to his deliberate musical style from both the UK and the US.
Emerging with his classic look of flowing hair under a brimmed hat, looking like the epitome of cool, Bay performed his endearing tunes for an eager audience. With a croon akin to his predecessors such as James Morrison, he sang beautiful tunes such as "Scars," wailing out, "We can't leave us behind, anymore." Tall and gangly, he commands the stage with his presence: just him, a guitar, and his British charm. With languid, glittering tunes, I expect James Bay to amass a larger following as the years move forward.
I, like all others at the Metro, had become enamored with the music of Hozier. The beautiful and powerful ballads contain so much emotion that they can teach us how to feel the full spectrum of feelings over and over again, with no reprieve, much to our desire. His self-titled debut was just released, following the heels of his dynamic EPs, dated over the past two years. Andrew Hozier-Byrne is also a young musician at 24, and has already garnered acclaim for the music that he performs, and the well-crafted songs that he writes. Emerging to an overwhelming round of applause and cheers, Hozier began by performing the brooding "Like Real People Do," commanding the crowd from the get-go with his sexy and soulful vocals. He then proceeded with the popular tune "Jackie and Wilson," and as he sang that he would "raise 'em on rhythm and blues," the entire crowd was moving to the beat and satisfied by the music.
Hozier was flanked by a large backing band, comprised of soulful singers, guitarists, and more, which allowed his sound to become even more booming and powerful. He continued with "To Be Alone," and then let everyone know that he was going to play songs with the band, and then solo songs as well for everyone, much to their delight. The performance hit its peak during "Take Me To Church," the notable crowd-pleaser that has catapulted Hozier to his platform of fame. I think each member of the crowd left feeling satisfied by the church that Hozier was able to bring us all to, one of soulful music that keeps us intrigued and rejuvenated at every turn.