Not Waving, But Drowning

The Line of Best Fit 9/10 With a title inspired by one of his grandfather’s poems, he has etched his name further into the fabric of music, creating a wholesome space of honesty that has the ability to inspire positivity while tackling heavy themes of pain and frustration.

NME 3/5 With a handful of radiant tunes, and lashings of Carner’s sensitive and witty lyricism, ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’ is an impressive second album. Although at times the momentum of the record stalls, it’s another bold release from one of the biggest talents British hip-hop has to offer.

DIY 3/5 It doesn’t quite match the intensity and impact of his debut.

The Independent 4/5 Not Waving, But Drowning has an emotional intelligence that shows just how strong Carner is when he’s at his most vulnerable.

All Music 3.5/5 All the supporting work is understated and studious, ideally compatible with Carner's substantive ruminations.

Gigwise 5/10 He is not a Scroobius Pip, Kate Tempest or Akala, and he is not a Mike Skinner, Dave or Plan B. He may get there, with time, but right now – even if we take Carner's word for it that he is, in fact, drowning, not waving, his music needs more depth before I can join him in that.

Clash 7/10 He’s managed to successfully replicate the feeling of genuine emotion and human connection that drew listeners to him and his music on his first album, with his second likely to be just as prosperous.

The Observer 3/5 For his second album, the 24-year-old’s flow remains defiantly old-school, concerned with language and jazzy storytelling rather than the Autotuned postures that get the streams.

Loud and Quiet 7/10 Carner holds on to the human warmth that made 2017’s Yesterday’s Gone so special and channels his growing confidence as a storyteller in this stream of disarmingly honest songs.

The Guardian 3/5 A collection of smooth, soft-centred rap that verges on the sickly, with Carner’s genial charisma floating adrift in a sea of sentimentality and nostalgia.

The Irish Times 4/5 Mercury Prize-nominated hip-hop storyteller spills out plain, often emotional truths.