Hozier: Live in Dolan's Warehouse

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumtentalist Hozier is the latest member of the "it only took one song" club.

As with Kodaline's chart-gobbling 'All I Want', the Wicklow native's 'Take Me To Church' has had a massive impact, turning its creator into one of the most buzzed about newcomers in Irish music. Before a packed Dolan's, Hozier opened with 'Like Real People Do', off his debut EP. It was a perfect showcase for his flawless vocals and emotive delivery, as well as for his singular guitar style. Intimate and atmospherically lit, the venue added to the ambience: the audience was captivated from the start, to the extent that it felt Hozier was addressing a room full of friends. This was further
intensified when the band temporarily exited the stage, leaving us with just Hozier, his voice and his beautiful songs for company.

Stand-outs included 'Someone New' and, of course, 'Take Me To Church'. They are all fine tunes. Ultimately, however, the sensitivity and rawness of 'Cherry Wine', one of the best homegrown songs I've heard in a long time, made it a standout. The standing ovation was entirely deserved.