Hozier “Unheard” EP Review

If "Unreal Unearth" served as the main course, "Unheard" is undoubtedly the delectable dessert.

Featuring four leftover tracks from Hozier's 2023 project, "Unreal Unearth," the "Unheard" EP is a strong continuation of an album worthy of a 2024 Grammy nomination. It maintains the innovative sound we experienced from Hozier the previous year.

Right from the start, the opening track, "Too Sweet," grips the listener, setting high expectations for these bonus tracks. The rhythm section drives the song, infusing a punchy tone that complements Hozier's bittersweet lyrics. It seems to narrate a tale of resistance to change, with a plea for the lover to move forward before both parties hit rock bottom. It's pretty intense. Lines like "You’re too sweet for me, I take my whiskey neat, my coffee black and my bed at three" resonate brilliantly.

"Wildflower and Barley" slows down the tempo, introducing a more indie-folk vibe. Allison Russell's featured vocals add a beautiful layer to accompany Hozier and the acoustic guitar. Once again, the drumming and bass provide a solid backbone, propelling the melody forward. The addition of electric piano infuses a soulful depth into the song. Transitioning smoothly from "Too Sweet," "Wildflower and Barley" leaves listeners eagerly anticipating what's to come next.

"Empire Now" kicks off with bluesy slide guitar, setting the stage for what seems like another timeless musical arrangement, akin to the previous tracks. However, about a minute into this brief song, expectations take a turn as electronic swells enter the scene. This sudden shift towards a grander scale of sound brings to mind productions reminiscent of Imagine Dragons, fracturing the established flow from the preceding songs. While not a bad track per se, it's understandable why it didn't make the final cut for "Unreal Unearth".

Lastly, there's "Farewell". This song delivers a hopeful tone, wrapping up the EP pleasantly, as the title suggests. Its arrangement falls somewhere between "Wildflower and Barley" and "Empire Now", blending lively acoustic guitar with a dreamy string section. Just like the instruments, the lyrics exude optimism, making this a feel-good song all around.

Listening to "Unheard," it's truly baffling to think that someone deemed these songs unfit for a full-length album. "Too Sweet" and "Wildflower and Barley" stand out as fantastic additions to Hozier's repertoire.

I would give this 3 out of 4 stars.