Hozier’s Friday night Azura show was an unending singalong

August 14, 2024

Allison Scavo,

Hozier. // photo by Allison Scavo

Hozier
with Joy Oladokun
Azura Amphitheater
Friday, August 9

Hozier mysteriously emerged from the shadows walking straight to the mic as singular acoustic notes thematically lead him along the way. As the lights slowly faded in, so did the silhouettes of the nine person band. The stage was so full of talent it had to be raised, housing five members of the band. The stage itself was a presence. The raised portion was connected to the visual display, either blending in or purposefully standing out for dramatic effect. The band’s indie, blues-folk performance was gospel in nature creating an intimate setting.

Hozier debuted “Nobody’s Soldier,” a song that won’t be released until August 16, and told jokes, stories of historical relevance that drew in present context, and funny stories about the songs to the sold out venue. This led to a mesmerizing anticipation of what was to come next. During “Like Real People Do,” Hozier directed the crowd to lead the backup vocals. His number one hit “Too Sweet” was thirteenth in the setlist, during which nothing could be heard but people screaming it at the top of their lungs as phones filled the air to record. He calmed it down by easing into From Eden. It wasn’t until the next song “Almost” that we were introduced to the amazing musicians joining him onstage.

After two more songs, “Eat Your Young” and “Movement” he closed the set with “Take Me To Church” as tears flowed from the ethereally connected crowd’s collective subconscious. Anyone who was hurting was expressing some sort of emotional relief. After leaving us in this emotional state, he came back for a four song aftercare encore, bringing Joy Oladokun back out to perform the last song, “Work Song” with him.

Coming in clutch as the opening act for Hozier in Kansas City, Joy Oladokun highlighted a soulful blend of folk, pop, and R&B music. Her powerful lyrics embodied love, self-identity, and resilience. Oladokun’s emotional depth closely resembles that of Tracy Chapman or Lauryn Hill. Oladokun’s energetic band jumped and ran throughout the stage, shared funny stories with the crowd, and shared intimate moments that led to the next song’s fruition. The connection between the band and audience grew close to the point that when she walked off stage, it felt like saying bye to a new friend.

All photos by Allison Scavo

Hozier

Hozier setlist
De Selby (Part 1)
De Selby (Part 2)
Jackie and Wilson
Nobody’s Soldier
Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene
Dinner & Diatribes
Francesca
It Will Come Back
Like Real People Do
I, Carrion (Icarian)
Abstract (Psychopomp)
Would That I
Too Sweet
From Eden
Almost (Sweet Music)
Eat Your Young
Movement
Take Me to Church
—
Cherry Wine (B Stage)
Unknown/Nth (B Stage)
Nina Cried Power
Work Song (with Joy Oladokun)