It’s been four years since Hozier’s last album, so ‘Unreal Unearth’ has been much anticipated. I was disappointed to find out he’s only a sole lyricist on just 2/16 songs, but if you like Hozier’s music you’ll probably like ‘Unreal Unearth’. His vocals, how they can beautifully flit from gentle to intense within the space of a breath, will always be unmistakably his. His eclectic use of instrumentation, his soulful sound and lyrics that poetically explore faith and mythology, those are all there too. However, theatrical and imposing in some places yet radio pop in others, this album feels disjointed, likely due to the many co-writers. Too many cooks spoil the broth. LT

Out now on Island