YOUR FAVOURITE MTV SHOWS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON PARAMOUNT+

MTV Review: Camden Worship Hozier As He Takes Them To Church

Koko revellers were treated to a cover of Amerie as well as tracks from Hozier’s upcoming debut album…

By Tamara Roper


In a borough of washed up rock ‘n’ rollers, Andrew Hozier’s bluesy vibrations fit Camden’s Koko like a well-worn glove. The venue is politely sold out, its audience varied in age, but united in dedication and spirit. They’ve got some of the most sought after tickets in London and it shows on faces of everyone from the diehards on the barrier to VIPs on the balcony.

Feeling:School trip age lads, young couples, men still suited after work; Hozier’s music is a great collector of cliques, all of them vocal and roaring for the musician who threw a cat amongst the pigeons with his video for Take Me To Church.

There’s a strong ‘home’ crowd too, as every time Hozier’s Irish roots are mentioned, a well-honed bellow rises from the floor. It’s heartwarming, and as eyes are gazed into during love songs and palms clutched together during laments, the man in question seems humbled.

The Look:Plaid shirt and jeans. Naturally.

Tunes: Accompanied by a full band, including Karen Cowley whose vocals are lent to the new album, Hozier grows in strength and depth as the hour-long set draws to a close. Sedated - though still relevantly new - comes out anthemic, and Take Me To Church, which sits with nine million YouTube hits, brings out a sea of middle-aged head bangers and air drummers. It’s arguably one of the weaker songs in the set, sung so many times that it’s now the audience who carry it, a testament only to the impact Andrew Hozier has made on music fans who have long craved what he offers.

It’s the encore that seals the deal. “We play this on happy occasions” is the only intro his cover of Amerie’s 1 Thing needs, as an audience of hillbilly girls start to booty bounce. From Eden draws the night to a close, as full and rapturous, Hozier leaves the stage.

Banter: A headline show in London and a set list full of anticipated tracks have made Hozier a humble man. Despite his summer of festival appearances and a slot playing on Ellen, he introduces tracks with wry observation and anecdotes, assuming nothing and in subtle awe of everything.

Sweat Factor: A solid seven. Little room and groups of pint clutching revelers make for a moist atmosphere.

Summary: A sold out show to a loyal audience, Hozier may have already taken the US, but the UK is not far behind in their energetic consumption of his music. Strength builds track by track, and as Hozier feeds off the love of those facing him, he duly returns it in sonic form.

Star Rating:

Hozier’s eponymous debut album is out on October 6th, while Take Me To Church is out now. Keep your eyes peeled for our exclusive interview with him here on MTV.co.uk.

Latest News