Loyle Carner
29th July 2023
Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review and photography by Doug Peters.
Loyle Carner’s highly anticipated performance at Auckland Town Hall, with support from the talented Irish rapper Kojaque was an evening that showcased the power of introspective storytelling and artistic expression.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly awaited a night of soulful music and thought-provoking lyrics.
Kojaque, known for his unique lyricism and subject matter (the man once created a concept album about being a deli worker ffs), took the stage first up. His performance was a revelation, captivating the audience with his poetic lyricism and energetic stage presence. Kojaque’s ability to seamlessly blend personal anecdotes with social commentary was truly impressive.
Tonight accompanied by Kean Kavanagh on the decks (and sometimes backing vocals) Kojaque was provided an extra layer of brilliance to his performance. The musicians playing off each other, creating a rich and textured sound. The synergy between the two was evident, as they effortlessly navigated through often intricate arrangements and transitions.
After a brief intermission, the stage was set for Loyle Carner’s highly anticipated performance. As the lights dimmed, the crowd erupted in applause, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the British rapper. Carner’s genuine and humble demeanor immediately connected with the audience, as he effortlessly commanded the stage.
Opening with the energetic but soulful track “Hate”, Carner set the tone for the evening. His smooth flow and introspective lyrics resonated with the crowd, his storytelling abilities and emotional depth on full show.
Carner’s ability to effortlessly switch between introspective and energetic tracks was truly impressive. Songs like “You Don’t Know” and “Ain’t Nothing Changed” had the crowd moving and grooving, while tracks like “Speed of Plight” and “Loose Ends” brought a sense of vulnerability and introspection to the performance. Each song felt like a personal conversation, drawing the audience deeply into Carner’s world.
The live band accompanying Carner added an extra layer of depth to the performance. The musicians were incredibly talented, seamlessly blending jazz, hip-hop, and soul elements into Carner’s music. The live instrumentation brought a dynamic energy to the songs, enhancing the overall experience to something more than just your regular hip hop show.
The Auckland Town Hall provided the perfect setting for Carner’s performance. The acoustics were excellent, allowing every word and note to be heard with clarity. The venue’s grandeur added a touch of elegance to the evening, creating a unique juxtaposition with Carner’s down-to-earth presence.
The visual elements of the show were also noteworthy. Tonight’s stage felt positively cosy compared to normal, the band lined up along risers pushed up towards the middle of the stage that didn’t give Loyle much room to move around but created a sense of intimacy that can often be lost in Town Hall. And of course, the lighting design also perfectly complemented the mood of each song, creating a visually captivating experience.
Overall, Loyle Carner’s performance was full of introspection and artistry that left a lasting impact. The combination of his heartfelt lyrics, smooth flow, and soulful beats created a truly memorable evening. The live band, the venue, and the visual elements all contributed to an immersive and engaging experience. Loyle Carner’s ability to connect with the audience through his music and storytelling made this a night to remember. Thank you so much Elemental Nights for bringing these fantastic artists to our shores – you did good!
Loyle Carner:
Kojaque:
Were you there at the Auckland Town Hall for this brilliant smooth jazz-infused Hip Hop gig? Or have you seen Loyle Carner perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Setlist:
- Hate
- Plastic
- You Don’t Know
- Georgetown
- Polyfilla
- Desoleil (Brilliant Corners)
- Angel
- Damselfly
- Yesterday
- Homerton
- Nobody Knows (Ladas Road)
- Still
- Loose Ends
- Ice Water
- Ain’t Nothing Changed
- Speed of Plight
- HGU
- Ottolenghi
Note: Ambient Light was provided a pass to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.
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