Music

Review: Hozier kicks off three-night affair at O2 Academy Brixton

On Friday 29 January, Hozier graced the stage for the first of three sold-out shows at O2 Academy Brixton.

Support act Wyvern Lingo were a unique blend of Haim-esque sounds with a sprinkling of First Aid Kit’s folk style. What particularly captured my attention about this Irish based indie-pop trio was their ability to harmonise so effortlessly, yet skilfully. There was a warming unity between them, not only as they harmonised, but also as they rotated the lead singer of each song.

An unexpected cover of Alt J’s Left Hand Free left the crowd familiarised with Wyvern Lingo’s sound as they put their own edge to the song, harmonising and taking the song down a notch, allowing the crowd to really feel the range of the band’s vocals.

I particularly enjoyed their new single Letter to Willow, catchy riffs, catchy chorus and catchy beat – making us hopeful of the summer which currently seems so far away!

As Hozier took the stage I was mesmerised by the rich warmth of his voice, together with his low and comforting variation of vocals. His set ventured between upbeat and slower, more subdued songs; Rhythm and Blues had the whole crowd dancing, including himself, whilst In A Week took a more serious turn as Karen Cowley from Wyvern Lingo returned to the stage, sharing moments of haunting Acapella.

The show which was heavily fuelled with intense harmonising suitably finished with much of the same as all seven musicians joined on stage for a vocal masterclass.

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