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HOZIER
+ Joy Oladokun
@ Riverstage, Brisbane,
18th November 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Audrey Songvilay

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HOZIER, Perth / Photo – @emilykcole

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From the Depths of Darkness, Hozier Brings Light

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HOZIER, Adelaide / @debkloedenphotography

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In the heart of a city pulsing with flashing lights, moving traffic, and thick, heavy air, a rare moment of stillness emerged. Last night, Brisbane’s Riverstage transformed into something sacred, a place where time seemed to pause, and Hozier was at its centre.

Beneath an open sky, Hozier stepped onto the stage, and with the opening notes of De Selby (Part 1) from his third studio album Unreal Unearth, he marked not just a return to Australia, but a re-entry into the mythic, emotional terrain he navigates with unflinching honesty.

Hozier is a master in storytelling and set the tone with a lush tapestry of sensuality, literary depth, and raw emotional power. The dark, Dante-inspired imagery of De Selby (Part 1) drifted through the crowd.

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HOZIER, Melbourne / Photo – @bear.n.tripod

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Thematically, the night was a deep dive into the human experience of desire, pain, and connection — all wrapped in Hozier’s signature mix of indie-rock, folk, and soul. His lyrical exploration of “hell,” both literal and metaphorical took the crowd to uncharted emotional depths. De Selby (Part 2) created an ache that seemed to linger in the air. Hozier’s voice, carried lines like “I’d still know you, not being shown you,” with a desperation that was tender and devastating all at once.

From the breezy charm of Jackie and Wilson to the darkly poetic undertones of Eat Your Young, Hozier showcased his range with effortless ease.

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HOZIER, Perth / Photo – @emilykcole

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Amid the intensity, moments of quiet beauty emerged. Tracks like Francesca and It Will Come Back balanced raw power with delicacy, while Like Real People Do and I, Carrion (Icarian) offered hushed intimacy. Each line was a thread pulling the audience closer to the core of something primordial — In that moment, something shifted in the air.

It was a surrender, yes, but it was also a healing.

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HOZIER, Adelaide / @debkloedenphotography

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As the sultry groove of From Eden faded, the crowd found themselves pulled into something deeper—Abstract (Psychopomp). Hozier described a memory—a moment when he saw an animal struck by a car. Tying it to Dante’s Divine Comedy, he explained the concept of a psychopomp, a guide between life and death. The song became a metaphor for life’s fragility, balancing love and fear in a way that felt both haunting and strangely peaceful. Hozier admits there’s a piece of himself forever frozen in this abstract representation of that moment. There’s this quiet acknowledgment of love and fear coexisting.

And yet, amidst the darkness, there was always light.

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HOZIER, Melbourne / Photo – @bear.n.tripod

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Hozier’s raw passion shone in “Would That I” and “Someone New” while “Too Sweet” brought playful energy. When Hozier played “Take Me to Church”, the song that turned him into a global sensation, the crowd erupted in unison, singing every word with a sense of reverence. There was a spiritual quality to the moment as Hozier’s sharp critique of societal control over love, human rights and sexuality blended with the power of his voice and the audience’s collective energy. As the song ended, Hozier waved a lesbian pride flag, a poignant symbol of solidarity.

The encore Cherry Wine was delivered with heartfelt tenderness, just Hozier and his guitar. Unknown/Nth unraveled with devastating depth, while Nina Cried Power, featuring Melissa McMillan, erupted in soulful intensity, giving a nod to the powerhouse contributions of his band and backup singers. Finally, Work Song, performed alongside Joy Oladokun, who opened the night, left the audience deeply moved.

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HOZIER, Perth / Photo – @emilykcole

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As the final notes hung in the night, the world seemed to hold its breath.

And then, silence.

Hozier left the stage, but his music stayed behind, lingering in the hearts of everyone present.

Hozier’s evolution as an artist was evident throughout the night. Unreal Unearth is his most collaborative work yet, featuring co-writers and producers like Jeff Gitelman and Jennifer Decilveo. Yet, even with its polished sound, the rawness of his performance made it feel intimate and immediate.

We had discovered the truth of what it means to face light and their darkness. And, perhaps, love. And to be loved.

Fair play, Hozier.

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HOZIER, Adelaide / @debkloedenphotography

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Check out the full gallery of the Perth event (RAC Arena, 5th November 2024) shot by @emilykcole HERE 

Check out the full gallery of the Adelaide event (Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 8th November 2024) shot by @debkloedenphotography HERE

Check out the full gallery of the Melbourne event (Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 12th November 2024) shot by @bear.n.tripod HERE

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HOZIER, Melbourne / Photo – @bear.n.tripod

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Follow HOZIER
Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

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JOY OLADOKUN, Adelaide / @debkloedenphotography

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Press Release 18th March 2024 (below) HERE

HOZIER
announces second Melbourne
show on the
‘UNREAL UNEARTH’
2024 Australian Tour

with Special guest
Joy Oladokun

PRESENTED BY LIVE NATION

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AMNPLIFY – DB