Hozier – Nina Cried Power EP - 2018 RSD Indie Folk Rock - Sealed 180 Grm 4Trk 12'' EP - 3000 Copies

 

 

 

 

''The first and title track prematurely confirmed my fears that Hozier’s music would shift away from the lo-fi attic production of his first album into a higher-produced “Better Love” era. However, “Nina Cried Power”, a power ballad complete with swelling choir vocals, presents a message and emotive effect far stronger than any made-for-soundtrack love song could. Soul legend Mavis Staples’ vocal addition adds a strength, desperation, and urgency never before heard in Hozier’s work. Hozier’s own vocals are also at their strongest, as the singer falls effortlessly back on his choral roots. The song is an anthem for activism and uprising: according to Hozier’s email newsletter, his goal was “to credit the actuality of hope, solidarity and love found in the human spirit at a time when their opposites were being given a mainstream platform 24/7.” Name-dropping Nina Simone, B.B King, James Brown, and John Lennon, “Nina Cried Power” fulfills this goal in a new era that needs hope now as ever.

 

The second track, “NFWMB”, is decidedly softer, relieving any fears that Hozier’s new direction would mean an album made solely of anthemia ballads. The start of “NFWMB” begins with a familiar sound, reminiscent of the guitar riff previously found on “It Will Come Back”, though the track overall has a softer, more Icelandic feel. Lyrically, stating that, “Nothing fucks with baby”, Hozier returns to arguably his greatest strength: romanticizing darkness, death, and turmoil to create a contrastingly gentle ode to a lover.'' (SpillMagazine)