LOYLE CARNER - SOUTHAMPTON SUMMER SESSIONS // GUILDHALL, SOUTHAMPTON
LOYLE CARNER LIVE AT SOUTHAMPTON’S SUMMER SESSIONS
★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
LOYLE CARNER PERFORMING AT SOUTHAMPTON’S SUMMER SESSIONS
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI
It is the penultimate night of Southampton’s first Summer Sessions series and this time is Loyle Carner. First act on stage is Loyle’s friend and producer Dweller, a one-man-project that takes the centre stage and is surrounded by an array of instruments: keyboards, electronics and a sax. Dweller created whole songs with a chilled dance vibe, a ‘soundscape’ that blended in cutting loops with live synths. With no gaps between the songs, the music blended one melody into the other, keeping the music varied and engaging. The crowd – a much younger bunch this time around than all previous gigs at the Guildhall Square – seemed to enjoy the set, but the real outburst was when the blend of drum n bass, trip hop and jazz was enhanced by Dweller picking up the saxophone. The crowd loved this gesture and seemed to enjoy the set much more in the second half.
Headliner Loyle Carner went up on stage shortly after 8.30pm, and was welcomed by a loud cheer of his loyal fans who gathered up at the front. The British hip-hop singer has supported many other artists such as Joey Badass in their tours and has performed in places of the likes of Glastonbury, BBC Radio 1and Wembley Arena. He has been nominated for Mercury Prize, Brit Awards and has even been listed in the FIFA 20 soundtrack playlist. It is therefore expected that the young artist has a big reputation to live up to.
Carner’s rapping style has been characterised as ‘introspective’, ‘jazz-infused’ and ‘confessional’, and this is completely true when watched live. His thoughtful lyrics tackle issues of violence and despair, as the backbeats of the live band create a unique atmosphere that takes you on a ride. It is worth noting that the live band behind him was outstanding, as Carner’s voice flooded the square. With lots of songs talking about the relationship Carner had with his father, the red lighting creates an otherworldly experience as the verses build up and quicken.
As the music intensified, Loyle Carner spoke to his crowd about the issues tackled in his songs, such as Homerton talking about him being on tour with his 4-year-old son, all against the backdrop of jazzy music and trippy screen displays. His setlist comprised of starters ‘Hate’ and ‘Plastic’, while later on he performed other fan-favourites such as ‘Desoleil’, ‘Nobody Knows’, ‘Loose Ends’ and ‘Speed of Plight’. He commanded the audience to ‘get their hands up and bounce’, as everyone sang along to ‘Ain’t Nothing Changed’ with dedication and danced along to ‘Georgetown’. The crowd – even if smaller than the other days – was very enthusiastic and supportive.
In contrast to Placebo’s gig a few days back, Loyle Carner’s fanbase was pretty invested on recording the performance (or themselves) with their phones, making it difficult to see at times. Yet, Carner said that the crowd ‘made his day’, as he explained how much he wanted to become famous when he was young and then had people rap along to a free-style verse performed acapella. The set was a mix of intense raps cleverly transitioning into some more mellow songs, ending with ‘Otttolenghi’.
Without performing an encore, Loyle Carner came back on stage to thank his band and confess that this was one of his favourite shows he’s ever done. He then came back on stage to read a poem to his audience, confessing the progress and effort his has put through to become the artist he is today, and communicating the vulnerabilities of his career and life. He is definitely an artist to watch that resonates with the struggles of his audience and can deliver a great atmosphere in his shows.