Loyle Carner’s return to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday felt less like a gig and more like a collective ready to see the emcee win.
Touring his latest album Hopefully!, Loyle Carner delivered a set perfectly balanced in poetic intensity and relaxed conversational warmth, the kind that makes a crowd of thousands feel like we’re all sitting in his living room.
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An inward facing 5 piece band set the centre of stage, when Carner swaggers in with All I Need as cheers flood the ampitheatre. Pacing the stage as though every word needed to reach the back of the hill, it was the blend of old favourites with heartfelt new works that truly lit up the night.
Ain’t Nothin’ Changed demonstrated that while the song still slaps harder than ever, the emcees lyrical ability and prowess has indeed changed; it’s matured, it’s focused and whilst still edgy and provocative, somehow, softened… Horcrux was introduced with the rapper detailing “…Cos i love Harry Potter but I dont really like J.K. Rowling you get what I mean?” and needless to say this audience and fanbase know damn well.
Desoleil carried the cold night’s air with Sampha’s beautiful tones echoing through the speakers, whilst track Hate hits with a grit that has every hand in the house bouncing in praise. When the gentle notes of Lyin’ begin however, we’re offered a rare, quiet moment; the signature breath of tenderness in an otherwise charged set… no artist is matched in Carner’s approach to vulnerability, dedicating “…this one’s for all the fathers that show up, and are brave enough to cry infront of their kids…” the point made further poignant as the set moves into an impassioned rendition of Still.
A little reprieve in the energy and bounce of the set, to breath in the pure joy of live music and the unique instrumentation of Carner’s band.
Loose Ends was one of the night’s emotional peaks, its tribute-like weight amplified by the crowd covering every word in Jorja Smith’s absence. Nobody Knows landed with raw honesty, while Speed of Plight explods with jazz-rap dynamism, turning introspective anxiety into something triumphant.
Throughout the show, Loyle Carner’s charm never wavered. Between songs he spoke openly, laughing, storytelling, connecting — the kind of performer who makes his audience feel seen. Ottolenghi further unites us in appreciation: a community built in real time, held together by rhythm, reflection, and the unmistakable warmth that Carner brings to every stage he steps on.
“I love Australia and I wish my family and I could live here!” He says, thanking his adoring and now deafening fans.
We wish you could too LC, Hopefully!
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