Hozier released his new EP “Unheard” on March 22 following his third studio album “Unreal Unearth.” Created as potential additions to “Unreal Unearth” that didn’t make the cut, the four songs on the new EP follow the same themes as the studio album, sharing motifs of the cardinal sins and Dante’s circles of hell as represented in his seminal work, “Divine Comedy”.
Hozier continues to showcase his masterful understanding of literary devices in his lyricism, weaving together various metaphors to portray his complex emotions. Upon first listen, it is difficult to grasp the intricacy of the lyrics; however, the musicality of the tracks is incredible enough to hold attention. Following a second and third listen to the EP, it is easy to appreciate the poetry of the lyrics and entertaining to unearth the meaning behind the songs.
The first track, “Too Sweet,” was teased on TikTok, gathering millions of views. In the track, Hozier draws a contrast between two individuals who seem to be in a relationship. One wants to live life at their own pace, drinking whiskey and falling asleep late in the night. The other adheres to a more rigid lifestyle, waking up with the sun and not indulging in as many substances. “Too Sweet” represents the theme of gluttony and overindulgence, as the second individual seems to be attempting to push the first to live a more healthy lifestyle, getting drunk on life rather than on alcohol. Upon further listening, the song seems to serve as a gentle rejection, as the first individual describes all the ways that the two do not fit together within the relationship.
The EP also features Allison Russell, a Canadian singer-songwriter, on the track “Wildflower and Barley,” which portrays a feeling of yearning for renewal. The song’s spring release date is fitting, as it describes springtime in the countryside. It speaks about the value of soil, which provides the literal grounds for the creation and growth of the new generation. With soft bird noises in the background, listening to the song is reminiscent of a spring walk through a meadow. The song serves as a perfect score for anyone who chooses to spend their days on Healy Lawn enjoying the nice weather.
“Empire Now” also has more overt political themes, speaking of empires and revolutions. Hozier instills a feeling of hope with lyrics alluding to a future away from the control of the empire. With powerful percussion instruments and a twanging bass line, the music matches the themes of the songs, stirring up a longing to fight and rebel.
The final song, “Fare Well,” illustrates Hozier’s ability to capture emotions through metaphors. The song represents the upward journey out of hell, describing how the speaker would not survive within the underworld and will appreciate any and every joy once they are back to the human world. The lyrics are a series of metaphors to different ways that he would not fare well in hell, including “Hedgehog-under-a-van-wheel kind of wouldn’t fare well” and “A kitten-cosy-in-the-engine type of wouldn’t fare well.” As the last song on the EP and the end of the “Unreal Unearth” era, the song is an apt farewell to the themes of hell and the seven sins.
Anyone who enjoyed “Unreal Unearth” is sure to love the continuation of the album in these four tracks. The tracks on the EP fit many moods, from inciting a yearning for upheaval to lounging in the grass, making it suitable to a variety of emotions. The EP is a must-hear for fans of folk music, Dante’s “Divine Comedy” or anyone who just appreciates poetic lyricism.
