Review: Hozier at RAC Arena

Hozier at RAC Arena
w/ Joy Oladokun
Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Irish singer-songwriter Hozier hit RAC Arena on Tuesday night for the first of two massive Perth performances on his first Australian tour since 2019. 

Nashville’s Joy Oladokun made their Australian debut one to remember, warming up the Perth crowd with a soulful set showcasing their new album Observations From a Crowded Room. With a name that couldn’t be more fitting, Joy’s performance radiated joy, filling the arena with powerful, heartfelt melodies. Songs like Question, Chaos & Faith, and their collaboration with Chris Stapleton, Sweet Symphony, highlighting their gentle yet commanding vocals, each note carrying depth and emotion. Though Joy’s set was a perfect appetiser, the crowd’s anticipation for what was to come was palpable.

When Hozier took the stage, he was greeted like an old friend and mythic hero all at once. Emerging in a wash of blue light, he launched into De Selby (Part 1), and the audience was immediately spellbound. With his effortless confidence and earthy charm, Hozier’s voice felt like a powerful force of nature, drawing us into his rich world of love, longing, and transcendence.

He kept the energy high with Angel of Small Death, turning the arena into a foot-stomping, red-lit dreamscape, before diving into deeper, emotive numbers like Francesca. The arena became a sea of phone lights, each voice singing along in perfect harmony. Hozier’s signature style—his blend of indie rock, blues, and folk—created a lush atmosphere, each song unfolding like a layered story that had the audience completely enraptured.

The visuals of the show were minimal yet effective, letting his voice and the soundscapes carry the night. At times, trees and roots appeared above the stage, evoking a sense of earthy wonder as he brought us deeper into his world with songs like “It Will Come Back" and “I, Carrion (Icarian)." Each tune felt like a journey through a different emotional landscape, punctuated by his easy banter with the crowd, including a lighthearted nod to Perth’s amazing coffee scene.

The band, an ensemble of incredible musicians from around the world, was as tight and dynamic as they come. From booming bodhrans to lilting violin and cello, they provided a powerful foundation, letting Hozier’s vocals soar as he moved through hits like “Almost (Sweet Music)" and “Jackie and Wilson." Each member had moments to shine, adding layers to the music and elevating the performance to something almost transcendent.

And then came “Take Me to Church." The entire arena erupted as the iconic opening notes filled the space. It’s a song that has become more than just a hit—it’s an anthem, and the crowd sang each line with the same intensity Hozier put into delivering it. The power of his voice, paired with visuals of the song’s message, created a moment of collective catharsis that left the audience buzzing.

As the night drew to a close, Hozier reappeared on a smaller stage in the back of the arena for an intimate encore, performing Cherry Wine and Unknown. This quieter setting only amplified the emotional impact, and for those who stayed until the end, it felt like an intimate gathering of friends.

Back on the mainstage with Nina Cried Power, Hozier gave a heartfelt tribute to Mavis Staples and the civil rights movement, a powerful message that resonated deeply with the crowd. He used his platform to voice his support for peace, drawing a parallel between global issues and his own Irish roots, which the crowd applauded with open hearts. 

For the final song, supporting artist Joy Oladokun returned to the stage to join Hozier and the band in an unforgettable rendition of Work Song. Their voices harmonised seamlessly, adding a rich layer of soul that elevated the blues, rock, and gospel blend of the piece. It was a powerful highlight of the night and the perfect closing to an unforgettable show.

Perth left RAC Arena that night feeling both inspired and transformed, ready to dream in melodies, haunted by Hozier’s unmatched talent and his band’s incredible sound. With an unforgettable blend of soul, poetry, and heart, he’s a performer who doesn’t just sing—he moves you to feel every note.

LIANA KELLY

Photos by Stu Mckay