Irish singer and guitarist Hozier released an EP titled “Nina Cried Power” on Sept. 6, four years after releasing his self-titled debut album.
With remnants of his original Irish folk sound, Hozier beautifully infuses strands of blues and gospel. Much like in his first album, his voice leads the way for the accompanying instruments included.
The first song on the record, “Nina Cried Power,” opens up with a quick drum beat and Hozier’s soulful voice. The song finds itself evoking strength from the listener as he describes the pieces of life that resemble his own strength.
As the song continues, the chorus focuses on the word “power” as the background singers chant it back. Featuring Mavis Staples — a female African-American singer and civil rights activist — the song finds a powerful message, illuminating the resilience of the human race.
Following the fast pace of “Nina Cried Power,” the second song of the album, “NFWMB,” slows the listener down. A lower note on the guitar is strummed and a heavy chord is played on repeat. Hozier sings in a much lower octave and softly repeats “nothing f***s with my baby.”
“NFWMB” is a strong piece that conveys raw emotion. Hozier’s serious tone emanates feelings of strength, which appears to be a reoccuring theme on the EP. Whereas “Nina Cried Power” creates a hopeful inspiration, the decision to follow it with “NFWMB” juxtaposes two types of power with a serious drive.
Returning to a quicker speed, Hozier’s next song, “Moment’s Silence,” is carried by the rhythm. The hit of the drum bounces back and forth with a hand clap, forcing the listener to be enveloped by the beat.
The guitar resonates with a honkey-tonk twang and in the background, a vocal high note echoes. In “Moment’s Silence,” layers of guitar, drums, snaps and vocal parts combine, creating a harmonious whole.
Wrapping up the EP, “Shrike” instills a calm feeling upon its listener. With more of acoustic folk feel, the picking of the guitar partners well with Hozier’s lyrics about love. A “Shrike” is a type of bird, an analogy that is carried on throughout the piece.
Known for its harsh call, Hozier compares himself to a shrike. Singing about losing the ability to tell a loved one their importance, the song is an analogy for the struggle to find the right words. From its lyrics to the minimal background sounds, this piece is extremely vulnerable.
Hozier created an EP with the ability to make people feel both strength and vulnerability. Featuring four songs, “Nina Cried Power” is just a taste of what’s to come. The EP acts as a forerunner to a new, full album which is expected to be released in 2019.
Luisa Pennington is a freelance reporter with the Daily Lobo. She can contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @_lpennington_.
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