Tackling the blistering cold and puddles that coat the cuffs of your jeans, we make our way to Victoria Warehouse. The queue is set up like Takeshi’s castle and a great feeling of accomplishment overcomes the body before the strip search takes place. Tickets scanned and patted down; we walk through the door where we are met with a blast of hot air which is needed after venturing Svalbard. A huge collection of merch greets us, and the football jersey is quickly snapped up before taking our place for Rejjiee Snow.
Rejjiee Snow is a perfect support slot for the gig with his unique style and reflective lyrics. A majority debut album set with ‘Annie’, Egyptian luvr’ and ‘Desole’ showing the Dublin native has been honing his craft for years. At times, it feels the crowd aren’t reciprocating what Rejjiee puts out or the venue is too big of a step up for him. Production is a highlight as it offers something different to a drum machine driven genre. Newer additions of his catalogue are played such as ‘Monkey in the Room’ and ‘Peace to the World’ show the change in the output. The stereotypical DJ sat in the corner playing the beats occur compared to a live creation however, Rejjiee’s gratitude makes it feel like a fresh way of performing. As his set comes to a close, the feeling of anticipation as everyone knows Loyle Carner is next.
A breath of fresh air in the modern UK Rap scene with his introspective lyrics and vulnerability, Loyle Carner takes the stage and kicks off with ‘All I Need’. The ability to make such a big venue feel intimate and personal to each audience member comes so naturally to the band which the lighting and stage design amplifies. As it’s an album tour, ‘Hopefully!’ appears as the don of the setlist with ‘Horcrux’, ‘Purpose’ and ‘About Time’ being within. However, each word is known by the audience showing the power behind each tune. Vulnerability is all on show during ‘Lyin’ as Carner serenades us with singing and asks for support. Tears are shed by both artist and audience as the beauty of the inner child is on show. Unlike most Rap concerts, each instrumental is created on stage showing not just the lyrical aspect but the musicianship behind the man. Everyone gets a chance to show off from guitar and drums solos to the piano put under the spotlight. Everyone gets a shoutout from Sampha and Jorja Smith to his brother and parents showing the humility and gratitude behind the music. A personal highlight being ‘Still’ with monotone delivery that hits a chord. Throwing it back with the likes of ‘Ain’t Nothing Changed’, ‘Desoleil (Brilliant Corners)’ and ‘Ottolenghi’ showing why he’s the best at what he does. After leaving, cries for more flood the place. Loyle returns solo with a poem about the piss poor political landscape we currently live in before the band come back and bow out with ‘a lasting place’. A perfect closer to make the listener have a lasting thought.
A perfect set that shows Loyle Carner is made to entertain and has the intellect of a Greek philosopher. UK Rap with the vulnerability that many men are scared to admit whilst touching on subjects rarely touched. As much as he’s a well-known act, Carner deserves to be in the ears of everyone.
