UNKNOWN / NTH - HOZIER
Irish alternative folk musician, Hozier, released another single off his upcoming album, Unreal Unearth, on Friday, June 23. The song, titled “Unknown / Nth” is the fourth single to be released, following the track “Francesca”.
The song is executed classic Hozier style - it doesn’t follow the typical verse, refrain, verse, refrain, bridge, refrain. Instead, it has neatly laid vocals over a constant guitar riff that still follows a nice progression. The riff is gentle and agreeable, with his vocals settling over the instrumentation perfectly.
His artistry in his lyrics are unmatched, describing being broken by someone you thought you could trust. The TikTok-famous line, “You know the distance never made a difference to me” introduces the poetic lyrics through his stunning baritone voice.
As for the title, Hozier stated, “The title comes from the depression of an unknown but large number, i.e. ‘Nth’. The song reflects on having your heart broken by someone you trusted. You think you learned, and it happens again. It also recalls ‘Ninth' or the 9th circle of treachery.” It expresses the themes of betrayal and feeling misunderstood in a relationship, or feeling “unknown”.
The verses are enchanting as echoed vocals and reverb enter while the song builds. It all blends so beautifully, the chorus is hard to detect. But, around the three minute mark, the song explodes.
Listeners hit a wall of harmonious vocals as he effortlessly sings a bridge. A few syncopated vocal rhythms are added, keeping listeners interested in the changing patterns.
The sound slowly quiets down as Hozier sings a final refrain over the familiar guitar. A quiet synth track is added as it finishes out creating an ethereal and nostalgic feeling as the riff from the beginning plays out.
The striking simplicity of this track is what makes it stand out. The other releases on this album are louder and more complex, but “Unknown / Nth” has beautiful artistry in its simplicity that is so hard to pull off - but Hozier always executes it so effortlessly.
There can never be too many positive words to describe Hozier’s music. He has a striking trademark sound that is so unlike others that feels so natural. Everything about his lyrics and musicianship feels so organic and raw, it captures the hearts of listeners. No matter how simple or complex your emotions are, there is a Hozier song to meet you there.
Hozier’s upcoming album, Unreal Unearth is due to release on August 18th. You can presave the album here.
Find tour dates and tickets to his upcoming tour, “Unreal Unearth Tour” here.