ELECTRIC PICNIC: Hozier makes his stunning return to the Main Stage

It’s no easy feat to follow one of the biggest pop sensations on the planet on Electric Picnic’s Main Stage, but Hozier took it in his stride.

After going No.1 in America earlier this year with his stellar sophomore effort, Wasteland, Baby, the Irish singer-songwriter has cemented his legendary status with a string of dates at home and abroad. In this regard, his Electric Picnic gig felt like a homecoming of sorts.

While Hozier has no shortage of die-hards, the mixed festival crowd also contained those turning out for that hit single. Recognising this, he took to the stage with a set that, from the beginning, pulled from a balanced mix of his early and new material.

‘Dinner & Diatribes’ from his new album featured one of the most stunning stage designs early in the set - completed with live fire running across the stage, in a nod to the track’s darkly beautiful music video.

Against projections of both historic and contemporary injustices and social movements around the world, ‘Nina Cried Power’ proved exceedingly more impactful when performed live. Hozier led into the song with a list of thank yous to those who have stood up against social injustice - including Hot Press’s own Eamonn McCann. A guest appearance from Dubliner Jess Kavanagh was a highlight, as her soulful powerhouse vocals brought a modern urgency to the track.

Another iconic Irish face made an appearance during fan favourite ‘Work Song’. Lisa Hannigan took the stage to thunderous roars, while her delicate vocals added a newfound vulnerability to the track.

Other surprises included an irresistible cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Living In The City’, which Hozier dedicated to the Take Back The City movement.

He may have released two albums worth of future classics, but ‘Take Me To Church’, his debut single, remains a deeply special track in modern music. Stirring the entire sprawling crowd into triumphant roars, Hozier finished his set clutching a rainbow flag, as he stood again an Irish tricolour projected onto the stage. A powerful conclusion to a stunning, emotional performance.