REVIEW: Hozier at The Fillmore

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PHOTOS & WRITTEN BY: Emily Janeczek @emilyrosejane_

Grammy nominated singer Hozier took the stage to a sold out crowd at The Fillmore on Wednesday during his first tour of America since 2016. These shows come after the release of his latest EP Nina Cried Power on September 6. Hozier enchanted the crowd during his set with his stunning vocals and guitar skills.

Irish folk group Hudson Taylor joined Hozier on Wednesday warming up the crowd with loud sing-alongs and harmonies that were to die for. Normally performing as just a duo, Hudson Taylor had an additional five piece band performing with them. They had a mixture of sounds from upbeat and fun in “Feel It Again” and “Travellin’,” to more relaxed with some help from the audience during “Don’t Know Why.” Everyone in the band was all smiles during the whole set sending light-hearted vibes out to the audience.

Instead of kicking off his set with an energetic song, Hozier decided to take a different route and open with the serene “Like Real People Do” from his self-titled album released in 2014. Jumping immediately into the empowering title song of his latest EP, the mood picked up quickly. He then played some old favorites like “From Eden” and “Jackie and Wilson” while the crowd danced and sang along at the top of their lungs.

Halfway through his set, Hozier slowed it down with a chilling solo acoustic performance of “Cherry Wine.” Even though it was just him on stage with an acoustic guitar and no crazy lights during this song, it was the most memorable moment of the night. Of course the crowd sang along, but it was not as loud as they had been for other songs. The song is about an emotionally and physically abusive relationship where the victim can’t help but still be in love with their abuser. When the song was released as a single in 2016, Hozier donated the proceeds from it to domestic abuse charities around the world.

“The way she tells me I’m hers and she is mine

Open hand or closed fist would be fine

The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.”

Picking the pace back up later in the set with the guitar heavy “Arsonists Lullaby” and performing a groovier version of fan favorite “Someone New.” He performed a new, unreleased song titled “Movement” off of his upcoming album. The song had a mysterious sound in the beginning but becoming soulful during the chorus, encompassing his incredible vocal ability. This song definitely showed we are in for a treat with his new album.

After performing his Grammy nominated hit “Take Me to Church,” the crowd went absolutely wild. He looked quite shocked at how loud it was. Coming back on for an encore he introduced his band and every single member of his crew from his sound and lights guys to his guitar techs to his tour manager. He really showed how appreciative he is of his whole team. Hozier then said he wanted to do something special just for the Philadelphia crowd and started a cover of Destiny Child’s “Say My Name.” He ended the night perfectly with the not too fast but not too slow “Work Song.”

Everyone left The Fillmore buzzing with a smile on their face after this intimate and entrancing concert. Hozier is most definitely a great performer who doesn’t have to have a million different things happening on stage to show off at his shows, which is quite refreshing to see.

Setlist:

1. Like Real People Do
2. Nina Cried Power
3. Jackie and Wilson
4. From Eden
5. Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene
6. To Be Alone
7. NFWMB
8. Cherry Wine
9. Shrike
10. Arsonists Lullaby
11. Moments Silence
12. Someone New
13. Movement
14. Take Me to Church
    Encore:
15. Say My Name (Cover)
16. Work Song