hugo demonstrates Loyle Carner’s expansive talents

An artist that has carved a niche into stark honesty, Carner has always been one to set himself into retrospective mode, asking questions of himself and his surroundings. On previous projects, he has questioned his own mental wellbeing, his current position as a young, successful artist and what is next for him – but on his latest venture, the retrospect has been amplified, toying between the roots in which he grew from and the roots he is laying out.

Lyrically, the album is sublime. Latest single “Ladis Road (Nobody Knows)” is genuinely awe striking, with lyrics such as “You can’t hate the roots of the tree / and not hate the tree / So how can I hate my father / without hating me?” detailing the strained relationship with Carner’s biological father and the effect it has had. “Blood On My Nikes” is a very real tale of London’s knife crime epidemic, personified by youth activist Athian Akec’s speech demanding politicians to act up. The closing line “Never has so much been lost by so many, because of the indecision of so few” poetically putting them in their place. Album closer “HGU” sees Carner forgiving his father, in a heartfelt commitment to his son.

On a production level, the album is some of Carner’s most far-reaching, wide-ranging work to date. Swaying between gorgeous neo-soul and thumping hip-hop, the album paves the way for some electrifying and effortless bangers. “Speed Of Plight” and “Homerton” combined fit nicely together – a free flowing grace accents them both as the marvellous production temporarily distracts from the deeper themes the album promotes.

Overall, hugo demonstrates some of Carner’s finest and best work. Expanding on his empire of authentic and intimate feelings with added clarity and artistic freedom, the album digs deeper, questions harder and reaches further. A clear cut statement on what it feels like to be alive in these troubling times from an artist who is carefully cementing himself as one of the most compelling and earnest young talents.