Live Review: Hozier Dustin Tebbutt

Singer-songwriter Dustin Tebbutt welcomes us with an intimate performance full of calming guitar melodies and an impressive vocal range. His ethereal indie-folk warms our hearts and takes us on a journey of all seasons and emotions.

Since the venue is heaving from wall to wall, it’s probably a good idea to visit the bar and have a comfort break before Hozier reaches the stage. The fans pack in to get as close as they can possibly get to Andrew Hozier-Byrne for his first Australian show. His big, soulful voice howls throughout the room but it’s only just a fraction louder than the overly excited, swooning fangirls. The Irishman belts out powerhouse blues, backed by a decent-sized band that includes a large cello to his right. He sips a hot cup of tea and rests it on his microphone stand in a convenient cup holder. Hozier’s charming personality shines through as he delivers rich, compelling storytelling with themes of love, mortality, freedom rights and sin. Blending together elements of gospel rock, blues, soul and folk, his haunting set is a passionate and captivating display.

Just about every song change sees him swapping guitars to suit each unique song and it’s clear the man knows how to bust out a catchy riff. His cello player Alana Henderson joins him for crooning vocal duet In A Week, which boasts a beautiful arrangement of contrasting vocal tones. With a strong connection to his Irish roots, Hozier is overwhelmed by the amount of Irish fans in the audience tonight. He opens up and shares his inspirations and personal experiences from the place he calls home. The band leave the stage for Hozier’s solo take on a cover of Skip James’ Illinois Blues, before reaching the moment that everyone is waiting for: Take Me To Church. As soon as the audience recognises the breakthrough hit, a sea of smartphones light up the room. The explosive number is layered with a stunning orchestral arrangement that sends shivers down our spines.

After a short burst of screams and prayers for Hozier to return to the stage, he surprises us with his own rendition of Amerie’s R&B track 1 Thing, before the set comes full circle with the slow, soothing ballad Work Song. Hozier is an exceptionally talented young artist who proves he’s more than just a one-hit wonder YouTube sensation – he’s a force to be reckoned with.