A-side ‘all i need’ is an introduction to the band dynamic that unconsciously formed around Carner during the Hugo tour. According to a press release, the single debates between feelings of promise and rage. While Carner’s nonchalant vocals paint an image of melancholy - “I put my fists through the wall for practice / The world rotates along its axis” - the repeated hazy guitar riff acts as a fine bridge between the self-deprecating words and a silver lining, further establishing the track as an anthem of faith.
On the flip side, ‘in my mind’ boasts a gritty vibe. The track carries a melody which would not be out of place amidst King Krule’s discography. Carner’s choice of B-side contradicts that of ‘all i need’ and rather evokes feelings of comfort with the crashing of cymbals and general echo of the vocals, despite its similar sorrowful contents: “I’m running from the belly of the beast / Admiring the guy I wanna be then”.
Carner has since shared details on what recording looked like for him. In the studio, his son sat on his shoulders holding lyrics sheets, while Carner relayed all their shared influences into the microphone. Ultimately, it is a shared love for the likes of Fontaines D.C., the Smiths and the Cure that have driven these tracks as well as Carner’s ever developing experiences with fatherhood and masculinity. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Carner details the fact that now is the only time that he has ever felt truly comfortable in his own skin, further stirring up excitement on which path he may take on a forthcoming album.
In June, Loyle Carner will headline Glastonbury’s Other Stage. We can assume that the setlist will retain many known hits such as ‘Ottolenghi’ and ‘Damselfly’, that go down a treat among a festival crowd. However, the Somerset audience will likely see the debut of these two news tracks. In the coming months, it will be interesting to see if Carner chooses to follow suit with the resurgence of alternative music in UK charts or surprise us completely following this newfound confidence in his artistry. Nonetheless, ‘in my mind’ and ‘all i need’ at present, serve as evidence to Carner growing as an artist and overstepping the bounds of UK hip hop.