Hozier eased back into activity in the late summer of 2018 with "Nina Cried Power," a tribute to
Nina Simone featuring
Mavis Staples. "Nina Cried Power" provided the anchor for a digital EP that allowed
Hozier to introduce his first new songs since "Take Me to Church" became an international sensation in 2013 and 2014.
Hozier leans into the gospel undercurrent of "Take Me to Church" on "Nina Cried Power," playing with Southern soul rhythms and featuring
Staples on supporting vocals. It's an evocative single matched by the spectral, quiet "NFMBW," which relies on mystery over melody.
Hozier switches the pace with the churchy blues stomp of "Moment's Silence (Common Tongue)," which is then countered by "Shrike," a moody, folky number that suggests his native Ireland. Each of the four songs feel carefully considered in both construction and presentation and their deliberate nature make for a good re-introduction to
Hozier: instead of striving to top his smash, he's taking his time to build upon it. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine