Multi-Platinum selling, Grammy nominated artist Hozier has released his new EP, titled ‘Nina Cried Power’. Consisting of four brand new tracks written and performed by Hozier, the EP’s lead single and title track features legendary soul/gospel singer Mavis Staples, with iconic musician Booker T Jones on organ.The EP release follows a trio of intimate live shows in Dublin’s Academy Theatre this week. Billed as live rehearsals with all proceeds going to three charities (Safe Ireland, One In Four, The Peter McVerry Trust), the shows are the first Irish headline performances from Hozier since late 2015. Further UK, Ireland & European dates are due to be announced on 17th September.
‘Nina Cried Power’ follows all the glorious traits we love from Hozier. It’s a bracing, wholly gripping and thoroughly satisfying collection of tracks that pack some emotional and powerful punches. Title track ‘Nina Cried Power’ surges with raw spirit and energy with a deluge of soul flooding from every note and clap. It’s a powerful and compelling track about political protest where Hozier name checks several iconic artists, activists and proponents of the civil rights movement whose messages, activism and artistry contributed to change through protest. Those mentioned in the track’s lyrics include (among others) Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, James Brown, the song’s namesake Nina Simone, and Mavis Staples. Mavis Staples’ outstanding faultless vocals feature rushing urgency and might into this goosebump inducing number. Hozier’s knack for melodies once again shines throughout this EP as he pours a bittersweet melody over the mesmerising mighty elements of soul and the lush quality of a choir. The title track alone can move mountains but Hozier has more in store for us. ‘NFWMB’ sees the return of the acoustic tenderness with subtle sweet glimmers between the warm flickers of guitar as this track softly glows like a cosy fire flickering through a cold harsh night providing comfort and soothing tones. Hozier’s vocals coo delicately over a soft stomping beat creating that tranquilizing peace only he can produce while holding every ounce of your attention. ‘Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)’ takes on the role of showcasing the Wicklow songster’s bluesy side. Filled with passion he broods and soars over a finger clicking feature while slinky guitar swaggers with a buoyant gritty sense of urgency. It’s catchy and energetic with perfectly placed darkened tones dispersed throughout. ‘Shrike’ demonstrates the earthy delicate tones we experienced in Hozier’s debut album with ‘In The Woods Somewhere’. His falsetto gracefully contrasting his warm lower range which quietly almost whispers the verses. There is a wood like vibe to this track with a traditional Irish tone floating about the subtle piano and ethereal atmosphere.
‘Nina Cried Power’ EP blends the bitter sweet, the delicate and powerful perfectly to create a satisfying unique experience that is Hozier’s sound. What makes his songs so special is his ability to tell a story through not only lyrics but his instruments- each guitar stroke, piano twinkle and drum stride dance through the harsh or beautiful themes with elegance and poise. They present or take the form of a different character making the tunes beautifully vivid and compelling. You can feel each emotion due to the passionate and adept placing of each instrument and percussion element.
Of the title single, Hozier says: “The song was written sometime last year, my aim was to credit the actuality of hope, solidarity and love found in the human spirit at a time when their opposites were being given a mainstream platform 24/7. The song started as a tongue-in-cheek inquiry into modern popular language regarding political awareness and grew from there. In many ways the song is a thank you note to the legacy of artists from the 20th Century whose work still inspires us, and whose well we draw from in times of uncertainty. Mavis Staples is one such artist. Getting to work with her on this song was a joy, and nothing short of a dream come true.”
Stream ‘Nina Cried Power’ EP below
