I had the wonderful opportunity of seeing Hozier and George Ezra in concert at the iconic Electric Factory.
We knew we needed to queue for a while in order to get front row (because the whole thing was general admission), so my sister and I arrived to the venue at around 3pm.
Besides the fact that it was freezing and windy, waiting in line does have its perks. We met some wonderful people and were lucky enough to hear both Hozier and George Ezra's soundchecks. So its almost like we got to hear their gig around 3 times.
Doors opened at 7:30pm and the concert didn't start until 8:30pm.
My sister and I thankfully got front and center barrier.
Ok... So I think I was more excited for Ezra's set then Hozier's. From what I heard during soundcheck I knew his set was going to blow the audience away. I assume the audience must have been surprised by his amazing vocals. I mean his face definitely doesn't match up with his deep voice, but it doesn't change the fact that this guy is talented with a capital "T".
The band consisted of a drummer, bassist and a guitar player. They played the hit "Budapest" along with "Cassy O", "Barcelona" and "Listen to the Man", but what really hit the mark was "Did You Hear the Rain?". Again, I heard them smash it during soundcheck but live and right in front of my face I witnessed something truly amazing. The four piece got into their element and jammed this one out. Honestly, words do not do a justice for the amount of pure musical talent expressed last night.
Hozier-
After seeing him live I can say his album does not do a justice. Of course its good, but live, everything is better.
I have to admit I was a little bummed he started off the set with "Angel of Small Death & The Codeine Scene" because that's probably my favorite song on the album. Anyway, that changed real quick.
Before I go any further into this review I just want to say that his band was amazing. The background singers were all thankfully in tune and smiled away the whole night, the cellist and singer were talented and killed it, the pianist-who-I-thought-was-called-Leah seemed super into everything and the drummer and synth guy were also pretty great. (I couldn't really see the synth guy/bassist but he was also a really good singer) ANYWAY! Everyone on stage put everyone else in the world to shame. "You think you have talent?" "Ha! No, you are a worthless piece of trash."...
Hozier told us that he only had around 6 hours of sleep between Wed. and Saturday... he seemed tired but it became extremely evident when he forgot his own set list.
After he played "To Be Alone", he introduced it again and started playing it until he noticed, stopped and laughed. Yet this wasn't the only time he forgot. When it was time for "In A Week", he started to sing the wrong verse, stopped, looked at Alana (the cellist/ duet partner) , apologized and went on. The man wasn't lying, he really was sleep deprived.
"Cherry Wine" live made me feel like I died and went to heaven. I kid you not, the audience turned into an angelic choir. Around the middle of the song I experienced this weird out of body thing that completely took over the rest of the song. Somehow, the audience harmonized and managed to take over the song. It wasn't even Hozier that shined during it but everyone not on stage.
Other highlights of the night were "It Will Come Back", "Sedated" and his cover of "Problem" by Ariana Grande.
I remember seeing it on BBCR1 when he did the live lounge and how great it was. The middle of the song morphs into "Regulate" and all the sudden this overplayed, simple song turns into the funkiest piece of art you'll ever listen to.
The set ended with "Work Song", which is the presumed new pop single.
All in all the night was pretty fantastic. Afterwards about 50 of us gathered around the buses in order to meet the artists. I have to admit I felt pretty terrible keeping Hozier up. When he came out the tour manager told us her couldn't take pictures, we managed to get a signature and a quick exchange of words. So now I can say I met Hozier. (I wanted to meet George too but I think he escaped us before Hozier's set was even over, bummer.)
Gigging has become a major part of my life this past year. I don't go just because I love live music or I just really want to see certain people live, but because the whole experience is so innate. People have been making and performing music since we lived in caves. And with the performers come those who listen and admirrer the art. Because of our mutual appreciation almost everyone around you soon becomes a best friend. People you've only known for hours seem like people you've known for years.
There's nothing like it.
I would love to see George Ezra again, hes coming to my city in April, However I believe tickets are sold out and I'm not sure if I have the time to go.
I am seeing Hozier again in May. Which will be pretty great considering I now know he puts on a great show.
If you happen to be reading this please take the time to get into these two artists. And if you have the chance to see them live- do it.
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