Hozier’s EP “Unheard” is full of stunning lyrical artistry – The Central Trend

Hozier's new extended play Unheard is the perfect complement to his already released album Unreal Unearth. The Unheard EP consists of four late-released songs that fit the theme of his previous album, which was inspired by Dante's Inferno.

Hozier's original album Unreal UnearthNow Unreal Unearth: Unheard of after the release of the EP, released on August 18, 2023; Less than a year later, Hozier blessed us with his EP Unheard, the final installment of his original album released last year. The tracks on the EP are nothing short of phenomenal, between the beautiful instrumentals, Hozier's amazing voice and his breathtaking lyrical artistry that never ceases to amaze me.

“Too sweet”

Hozier's song Too sweet was already popular before its release, a small snippet of the song quickly went viral on TikTok following the announcement of the upcoming EP's release. Although I think the song is quite open to interpretation, it is clear that the song depicts the third circle of hell, which represents gluttony in its purest form. The title depicts a romance between two completely different people and shows how Hozier selfishly wants to give himself to this lover even though he knows he shouldn't. The song has an eerie yet sweet appeal with a dark undertone that expresses the persistence of thoughts that continue to exist.

“Wildflower and Barley”

Wildflowers and barley is Hozier's third track on the EP and the only one to collaborate with Allison Russel on this simple and heavenly sounding song. In this track, Hozier displays a sense of longing, but the song also feels like a kind of ode to the need for renewal, the delicate balance of life, and the resilience of nature. Technically, and following the theme of his previous albums, Dante's Inferno, the title would represent the first circle of hell, including depictions of the epic poem Divine comedy.

“Empire Now”

Empire now is my second favorite title in the Unheard E.P. The song has a strong, effective and powerful sound, characterized by strong drums and violins. Due to its theme of revolution and colonialism, and of course its Irish background, many think the song is about the Republic of Ireland's independence from Great Britain. Due to its violent sound and themes of revolution and colonialism, this track most likely also represents the seventh circle of hell.

“Farewell”

FarewellHozier's last track in the EP and the final part of the Unreal Unearth: Unheard of Album is the depiction of the outer ascension from the inferno of the nine circles of hell. As he “rises” in the song, the piece slowly becomes more powerful and joyful. The song perfectly contrasts Hozier's soaring voice with a tropical and folky sound to depict his journey from hell.

Hoziers Unheard EP is nothing less than a phenomenal sequel to Unreal Unearth. His amazing lyrics and beautiful vocals continually create deep, musical masterpieces that amaze audiences. Unheard was the perfect complement to Unreal Unearth and really adds to the album's journey through hell in Dante's Inferno.