Featured image and gallery: Georgina Hurdsfield
After a long-awaited return (four whole years), Loyle Carner was finally back in Manchester on Saturday night, bringing his latest album Hugo to Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse. Selling out the 3,500 capacity venue, it was Manchester’s first chance to hear his new music live.
With the stage almost having a cinematic, theatre-like appearance, it was evident this show was going to be an unforgettable experience for everyone in the room.
Backed by his five-piece band, Carner begins with opening-track ‘Hate’, a powerful opening to the set as he stands in the spotlight, sporting a tightly zipped up puffer jacket. The crowd tightly rapped back every word to the singer, it was a reaction that was almost overwhelming, certainly fit for the king of UK alternative hip-hop.
Loyle Carner was unapologetically emotional on stage throughout his set. His openness with the crowd was a breath of fresh air, and fitting for someone whose lyrics are honest, complex and deep, especially with his latest collection of songs.
The new singles transpire well live, and the crowd are seemingly excited by the new tracks. Songs like ‘Plastic’, ‘Polyfilla’ and ‘Speed Of Plight’ clearly being favourites.
‘Blood on My Nikes’ was unforgettable to witness live, lyrics telling a painful story of knife-crime, a close-to-home topic for residents of Manchester at the moment.
With a powerful presence on stage and effortless transitions between songs, Loyle Carner was clearly meant to be a live performer. His performance of tracks old and new was flawless and stunningly beautiful.
‘Loose Ends’ into ‘Ice Water’ was a highlight of the night, the moment was euphoric, a reminder of the importance of witnessing music live, especially artists such as Loyle Carner. Ending the night on a high, Carner performed ‘Ottolenghi’ from previous album, Not Waving, But Drowning.
We’re already counting down the days until Loyle is back on the stage in Manchester, luckily enough, Carner will be returning to Victoria Warehouse for BBC 6 Music Festival as a headliner on Friday 24th March. If you ever get the chance to witness Loyle Carner live, we would highly recommend it.
We’re hoping to see Loyle Carner at an array of festivals this summer, such as on the main stage at Leeds Festival in August. We can certainly see Carner as a future headliner of Manchester’s biggest festival, Parklife.
Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…
Featured image: Evie Peattie Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…
Featured image: Sebastian Garraway Beats vibrate through a polished floor. Bodies move with a swinging grace, surrendering to the rhythm without hesitation. An instinctual sliding jig sways wide-legged jeans cut just above the ankle. Sweat drips from sharp scissor-cut hairstyles onto porous Fred Perry polos. You’ve guessed it: Northern Soul. The late 1960s phenomenon is…
Featured image: Evangeline Causton Local lad Harry Styles will take to the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live for the city’s first-ever Brit Awards, before returning for his one-night-only show on March 6 to celebrate the arrival of his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. When cryptic billboards bearing the words “WE BELONG TOGETHER” appeared across Manchester city…
Leave a reply