Music
Hozier
Barrowland, Glasgow
Marianne Gunn
Four stars
At the end of the week of a historic vote for Ireland, Hozier's "song with a message" was what most audience members were assembled to hear in the famed Barrowland ballroom. Take Me To Church is a track that will almost certainly haunt the young Irish singer-songwriter for the rest of his years, as 25-year-old Andrew Hozier-Byrne has already been nominated for a prestigious Grammy and won an Ivor Novello award for the life-changing song. Not bad going for a lad from Bray, County Wicklow.
Starting the evening with some lesser-known album tracks, it was clear the show was going to be a slow burner. The rhythm and blues influences on his music were clear and there was a distinct nod to the genre later in the set with a cover of Illinois Blues by Skip James. Current single Someone New provided a lighter note before a sultry To Be Alone and soulful It Will Come Back.
A duet with Alana Henderson (who also plays cello in Hozier's impressive band) was a more contemplative moment, although the lilting folksy feel may not have been to everyone's taste. Vocally, however, both performers were spot on. A rousing Take Me To Church finale closed the set and its perfect blend of pop and rock (not to mention the singalong anthemic chorus) was beautifully - yet tragically - lit by a swirling sea of smart phones.
A cheeky encore included Cherry Wine and Work Song but it was his cover of an Ariana Grande song (a "just for fun" moment) that really lifted the closing segment. More inventive arrangements like this will be welcome in his T in the Park set come July.
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