Bridgeport, Conn. – As evening passed over the festival lawn musical phenomenon, Hozier took the stage while discussing hopes that the rain would hold off for the night.Thankfully, it did.

Hozier brings his own storm of captivating energy that can’t be forgotten by a crowd. After opening with “De Selby (Part 2),” the artist went into a fan favorite with “Jackie and Wilson” off his self-titled record that just turned a decade old this month.

The artist did an incredible job of mixing in older, beloved tracks with the newer sound that he’s been able to feature over the past two years. In 2023, he  released his third studio record, Unreal Unearth. A record that walks you through the story of Dante’s Inferno and the nine circles of hell and still the artist manages to bring in a warmth that comes with what it means to feel love and vulnerability in the connections that you have. 

Hozier has been recognized for the depth in his lyrics and the way that his craftsmanship is shown across all of his records. Not only does he dig into religious themes and social issues like LGBTQ+ rights and domestic violence but he really does so in a way that brings heart and adoration for other people into the work, and the love for these tracks pours out of him during performances. 

The artist started his early music career at Trinity college in Ireland, where he received formal training and studied music, and his recognition has only grown since. The intention that lays behind his craft is evident when listening to his live vocals and truly shows across his discography. 

I had gotten to see Hozier perform a few years prior to the festival and never forgot the impact that his shows can leave on people as he spreads an atmosphere of light and hope throughout the show. Seeing him once again years later proved to be the same experience.

Hearing his vocals play out on that open field by the time that the set got into “To Be Alone” and the lights began to go red was a highlight of the festival as his voice reverberated out across the open field. The acoustics truly allowed his voice to shine and showed how much of a powerhouse Hozier is vocally. The music that he  brings to the table was truly able to flourish at the festival on this night.

After some heavier songs, the artist gave his set a bit of a cooldown with the track “Cherry Wine,” a track that has only been released in live recording but is still an unforgettable experience to hear for yourself  on the stage. 

By the time Hozier  finished with one of his most popular tracks, “Take Me to Church,” it was clear to see that the crowd was mystified by his work; soaking up the sound that he could provide for only a short period of the night. The track is a song about love and letting it prevail even when it may be shot down in certain circles.Atrack that perfectly speaks to the environment that Hozier is able to cultivate when he takes time to be on stage. The energy he brought to the festival is a performance that will not be  forgotten and speaks to the talent that the festival is able to showcase.

The artist recently released on August 19th, 2024, an unaired version of the record with even more music to be able to enjoy, which really shows that he is still spreading more love for this record even today and can be checked out on all streaming platforms.

Although you will not have the chance to see Hozier this weekend, you can still check out the new iteration of the festival tonight and tomorrow at Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport, CT. The acts include artists that Hozier has collaborated with, such as the headliner for tonight, Noah Kahan.