Reviewer: Peter Martin
Released: 20th June 2025
Label: Island EMI
The opening phrase of Loyle Carner's fourth album is "beautiful accidents," a line that encapsulates the essence of the entire record. In this project, the artist, now in his 11th year, broadens his musical horizons: there are elements of jungle in 'feel at home' and 'corrocux', and he explores singing throughout, with standout emotional moments in 'lyin' and 'strangers'. While his earlier albums dealt with the burdens of his past, 'hopefully !' captures his journey of embracing experiences and moving ahead. 'time to go' has him welcoming change, and the title track includes recordings of both his young son and the late Benjamin Zephaniah. It's evident that his music is driven by emotion, and 'hopefully !' is no exception; it is both poignant and musically rich. With a message to his fans of "take these words and go forward," it appears Loyle has begun to heed his own advice, as 'hopefully!' skillfully showcases his evolution through musical influence and life experiences.
The upcoming album will seemingly have the NYC cult favorites embracing an "Eno school of thought."
The track marks the Dundalk band's first new release in three years.
Their seventh album, 'The Hives Forever Forever The Hives,' is set to be released at the end of August.
He referred to it as an “abstract subconscious outburst that critiques anyone from Shoreditch or nearby”…
A bit more cohesion would have been beneficial.
Reviewer: Isabella Ambrosio Release Date: June 20, 2025 Label: Transgressive
As emotionally stirring as it is musically pleasing.