Sault HHV Records 17 Items

Vinyl format only. Acts of Faith is the eleventh studio album from British R&B musical group Sault. Originally previewed in December 2023 at a one-night only concert in London, which was the group's first performance. Upon the album's release, Bill Pearis of Brooklyn Vegan called this "yet another stunner" from the group that is "a joyous rumination on faith". Writing for Radio New Zealand, Tony Stamp noted the religious themes and uplifting lyrics in the music and responded to the band's mystique by summing up, "everything on record is so substantive, and enriching, that the gimmicks feel justified"

Last chance, as this is the last time they repress it.

Sault - 11 is one of five albums released by the enigmatic collective Sault on November 1, 2022, during a unique release event in which all five albums were available for free download for just five days. Alongside Untitled (God), Aiir, Earth, and Today & Tomorrow, 11 was part of what was described as an "offering to God." This album, like much of Sault’s work, explores themes of spirituality, empowerment, and self-reflection through a genre-blending mix of soul, funk, R&B, and Afrobeat.

11 continues Sault’s exploration of layered, atmospheric production combined with thought-provoking themes. It leans heavily into soul and funk but maintains the collective’s signature style of minimalist yet textured production. The album contains songs that celebrate personal and collective strength, resilience, and spiritual growth, as well as reflections on love and unity.

Key Tracks:

"Glory" (5:37) – A track that feels both uplifting and anthemic, with gospel-like elements and a spiritual message.
"Fear No One" (2:50) – A shorter track that exudes confidence and resilience, driven by a compelling rhythm.
"Morning Sun" (3:59) – This song has a warm, soulful vibe that matches its title, evoking themes of hope and renewal.
"The Circle" (3:05) – The closing track, which feels introspective and intimate, bringing a sense of closure to the album.
Critical Reception: The album was praised for its focus and energy, with many critics appreciating its groove-oriented sound and spiritual undertones. 11 won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album in 2023, further cementing Sault's reputation for creating thought-provoking and impactful music.

Despite its brief availability for free, 11 is now available on streaming services and physical formats, continuing to captivate listeners with its rich, reflective soundscapes. The album is part of Sault’s ongoing creative journey, characterized by its prolific output and refusal to conform to industry norms

Last chance, last repress.

“We present our first ‘Untitled’ album to mark a moment in time where we as Black People, and of Black Origin are fighting for our lives. RIP George Floyd and all those who have suffered from police brutality and systemic racism. Change is happening… We are focused.”

Sault - Untitled (Black Is), released in June 2020, is one of the most celebrated albums from the collective Sault. The album came out during a pivotal moment in global discussions about race, equality, and justice, particularly following the murder of George Floyd and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. This context significantly shapes the thematic and emotional resonance of the record.

Untitled (Black Is) blends a wide array of genres, including soul, R&B, Afrobeat, funk, spoken word, and gospel, creating a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. The album is deeply rooted in Black identity, pride, and struggle, making it a powerful statement on racial injustice and resilience. Lyrically, the album addresses themes of systemic racism, police brutality, Black empowerment, community, self-love, and the importance of unity.

The production, helmed by the collective’s enigmatic core (likely led by producer Inflo), features stripped-down yet layered instrumentation, with driving basslines, handclaps, and rhythmic percussion forming the backbone of many tracks. The vocals are often communal, with group chants and harmonies giving the album a spiritual, anthemic quality.

Key Tracks:
"Stop Dem" – A politically charged track with a pounding Afrobeat rhythm, addressing police violence and systemic racism head-on.
"Hard Life" – A soulful, melancholic reflection on the hardships faced by Black people, with haunting vocals and minimal production that highlights the emotional weight of the message.
"Wildfires" – A standout song on the album, this track blends silky, understated vocals with a powerful message about injustice and violence against Black lives. Its soulful and reflective tone gives it a timeless feel.
"Miracles" – This track offers a sense of hope and redemption, emphasizing the resilience and strength found within the Black community, despite the hardships faced.
"Black" – A declaration of Black pride and power, this track serves as one of the album’s central anthems, celebrating Black identity and culture while recognizing the challenges that come with it.
Cohesion and Impact: The album flows like a meditation on Blackness, weaving together not just music, but spoken word interludes and chants, creating a narrative arc that goes from pain to empowerment, from struggle to solidarity. The use of group vocals, chants, and Afrocentric rhythms throughout gives the record a communal and collective feel, emphasizing the idea of togetherness and unity.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Untitled (Black Is) is how it balances anger and frustration with hope and healing. While it directly addresses the oppression and violence faced by Black people, it also offers moments of joy, strength, and affirmation. The album is a call for action, but also for love and understanding.

As with previous releases, Sault maintained their air of mystery with Untitled (Black Is), releasing the album without much fanfare or explanation about the contributors. However, it's widely speculated that key figures like Inflo, Cleo Sol, and Kid Sister played significant roles in its creation. The album's timing and thematic focus made it especially impactful, with its messages resonating deeply during a time of global reflection on race and justice.

Untitled (Black Is) was met with critical acclaim, hailed as one of the most important albums of 2020. Critics praised its boldness, its timely themes, and its ability to mix protest music with a sense of spiritual uplift. The album was seen as not only a response to the times but as a work that stands in a long lineage of Black music addressing societal ills, from civil rights-era soul to modern-day protest anthems.

Sault returns with a new album featuring Michael Ofo and Little Simz. NINE will be limited to a short press run of 16,000 units, never to be re-issued again!

Sault - Nine is the fifth studio album by the mysterious collective Sault, released in June 2021. Like their previous albums, Nine arrived with little prior notice or traditional promotion.
Nine continues Sault's tradition of blending genres like soul, R&B, funk, Afrobeat, and post-punk, but it has a darker, grittier, and more confrontational tone than its predecessors. The album delves deeply into themes of trauma, mental health, inner-city struggles, violence, and survival, with a particular focus on life in Black urban environments.

The sound of the album reflects this shift in tone, with raw, minimalist production that pairs heavy basslines and hypnotic rhythms with layered vocals, spoken word segments, and atmospheric soundscapes. The music feels urgent, intense, and emotionally charged, offering a stark contrast to the more celebratory tone of Untitled (Rise).

Key Themes: Nine paints vivid portraits of life in marginalized communities, particularly in cities like London, where systemic inequality, violence, and hardship are everyday realities for many. The album’s title, Nine, is believed to refer to Nine Elms, an area of London, although it could also symbolize the "nine lives" concept, reflecting the resilience and survival instincts of those in tough environments.

The album tackles a range of topics, including:

Trauma – Several tracks reflect on the lasting impact of violence, poverty, and systemic oppression on mental health.
Community – There’s a strong focus on community dynamics, exploring both the unity and tensions within these spaces.
Resilience and Survival – Like much of Sault’s work, Nine reflects the endurance and strength required to navigate difficult environments.
Key Tracks:

"London Gangs" – A hard-hitting track with a pulsating, tense rhythm, addressing gang culture, violence, and the survival mentality of growing up in tough urban environments.
"You from London" – Featuring British rapper Little Simz, this track offers a sharp, introspective look at identity and the contradictions of growing up in a city like London, where cultural pride and struggle are deeply intertwined.
"Fear" – This song explores the psychological impact of fear, particularly how it’s experienced by people living in environments shaped by violence and deprivation.
"Bitter Streets" – A slower, more reflective track that focuses on the emotional toll of life on the streets, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that contrasts with the bleakness of its subject matter.
"Alcohol" – A deeply personal track, this one touches on themes of addiction, self-destruction, and the attempts to cope with life’s hardships through substance abuse.
Spoken Word and Storytelling: Nine incorporates spoken word interludes that add to its storytelling dimension. These segments often feature reflections on life in inner-city London, painting vivid images of the struggles and dynamics in urban spaces. The storytelling aspect makes the album feel more documentary-like, giving it a raw and real-life feel.

Production and Collective Identity: As with all Sault projects, the production on Nine is minimalistic yet impactful, with tight, looped rhythms, bass-heavy grooves, and layered vocals. The collective continues to maintain their air of mystery, avoiding traditional credits and public appearances. Producer Inflo is believed to be a central figure behind the sound, with vocal contributions from Cleo Sol, Kid Sister, and others, although these aren’t always confirmed.

Nine was well-received by critics, who appreciated its raw honesty and the way it dealt with heavy topics. It was seen as a necessary exploration of trauma, violence, and mental health in marginalized communities, delivered with Sault's trademark blend of musical innovation and emotional depth.

In sum, Nine stands out as one of Sault’s most emotionally intense and thematically challenging albums, offering a stark but poignant look at survival, trauma, and community in urban environments.

Optimal pressing.
The fourth album by Sault scored 97/100 at Metacritic and is the most beloved album at HHVs Supreme 100 of 2020 list, chosen by 150 journalists, musicians, label makers and record collectors.

Sault - Untitled (Rise), released in September 2020, is the follow-up to Untitled (Black Is) and serves as a companion piece to that earlier album. While Untitled (Black Is) focuses on themes of Black identity, struggle, and resilience in the face of systemic racism, Untitled (Rise) takes a more hopeful and celebratory approach. It explores empowerment, joy, and community, offering a sense of uplift and liberation alongside the weightier topics of social justice.

Untitled (Rise) retains the genre-blurring approach that defines Sault’s music, blending soul, funk, Afrobeat, gospel, R&B, and dance rhythms. However, the tone of Rise is generally more upbeat and celebratory compared to the heavier, introspective nature of Black Is. The album captures the feeling of dancing through adversity and finding joy despite the struggle. Its rhythms are infectious, and many tracks are designed to feel anthemic, with powerful group vocals and chants reinforcing themes of collective strength.

Lyrically, Untitled (Rise) touches on similar themes to Black Is, such as Black empowerment, pride, and resistance, but it emphasizes victory and triumph. The album feels like a call to action, but also a celebration of perseverance, healing, and unity.

Key Tracks:
"Strong" – A powerful and uplifting anthem about resilience and overcoming adversity. It features a driving rhythm and empowering lyrics, with group vocals that evoke a sense of unity and strength.
"Fearless" – A rhythmic, upbeat track with Afrobeat-inspired grooves, it’s a call to reject fear and embrace courage, a recurring theme in the album.
"I Just Want to Dance" – One of the standout tracks, this song blends disco-funk elements with a carefree energy, symbolizing the need for joy and release even amidst struggles.
"Free" – A slower, more reflective song that underscores the desire for freedom—both personal and societal. It’s soulful and deeply emotional, with heartfelt vocals.
"Rise" – The title track serves as a rallying cry, encouraging listeners to rise above oppression and celebrate their identity and power. The song's infectious rhythm and group chants amplify the message of empowerment.
Tone and Emotional Arc: Where Black Is may have felt heavy with its focus on the injustices faced by Black people, Rise balances that with a more optimistic and celebratory tone. It conveys a message that while the fight for justice continues, there is always room for joy, self-love, and communal solidarity. The album often feels like a soundtrack to liberation, pairing its socio-political themes with music that’s meant to inspire movement, whether literally on the dance floor or metaphorically in terms of social action.

The flow of the album is dynamic, shifting between more meditative moments and high-energy, danceable tracks. The rhythmic pulse is a constant thread, grounding the album in African and diasporic traditions, while the vocal arrangements often feel like modern spirituals or chants for a collective uprising.

The production, likely spearheaded by Inflo, is tight and minimalist, yet rich in texture. Sault’s signature use of layered vocals, often with group harmonies and chants, continues to play a central role in Rise, contributing to the communal, uplifting feel of the album. As always, Sault’s members remain largely anonymous, though Cleo Sol and Kid Sister are thought to have contributed vocally to the project.

Untitled (Rise) was met with widespread critical acclaim, much like its predecessor. Reviewers praised the album for its optimism and energy, viewing it as a necessary counterpart to Black Is. While Black Is was seen as an urgent protest album, Rise was lauded for its focus on joy, hope, and empowerment, making it feel like a musical celebration of survival and thriving.

The duality of these two albums—Black Is and Rise—allows Sault to capture a full spectrum of the Black experience, from pain and protest to resilience and celebration. Together, they form a powerful artistic statement on the complexities of identity and struggle.

Sault's Untitled (God) is one of the standout releases from the enigmatic collective known as Sault, who are known for dropping multiple albums in a short span of time with little to no prior announcement or promotion. The album was released in November 2022, alongside a few other albums in a unique and unexpected move, where Sault offered them for free for a limited time as part of a “gift to God.” This aligns with the group's spiritual themes and desire to explore deeper social, cultural, and personal reflections in their music.

Musically, Untitled (God) blends a variety of genres, which is a hallmark of Sault’s sound. The album incorporates elements of soul, R&B, gospel, Afrobeat, and funk, paired with lyrics that are deeply introspective, often touching on themes of faith, spirituality, and divine purpose. The production is marked by rich, layered instrumentation and rhythmic diversity, making it feel both modern and rooted in traditional sounds.

The Untitled (God) album has been praised for its artistry, its ability to mix social consciousness with a profound spiritual lens, and its creative and powerful production, following in the tradition of their previous releases like Untitled (Black Is) and Untitled (Rise).

Sault, which often avoids the traditional routes of fame and marketing, remains mysterious in its membership. However, key contributors like the producer Inflo and artists such as Cleo Sol and Kid Sister have been speculated or confirmed in connection with the collective.

Last chance, last repress.

Sault - 5 is the debut album by the mysterious collective Sault, released in May 2019. It was the first in a series of albums that would establish the group's signature blend of genres, including funk, soul, R&B, post-punk, Afrobeat, and electronic influences. The album received critical acclaim for its fresh sound, combining socially conscious themes with infectious grooves and rhythms.

The album features minimalist yet impactful production, with prominent basslines, funky guitar riffs, and layered vocal harmonies. The vocals are often delivered with a cool, detached style, which contrasts with the emotional and sometimes politically charged lyrics. Themes of identity, love, power dynamics, and the Black experience are present throughout the album.

Sault's 5 also stands out for its stripped-down approach to instrumentation, emphasizing rhythm over complexity, and allowing space for the vocals to shine. The tracks have a raw, DIY aesthetic, reminiscent of post-punk and underground soul movements, yet they feel timeless and modern.

Key Tracks:
“Up All Night” – One of the most well-known songs from the album, it’s a funky, high-energy track with danceable grooves and infectious hooks.
“Don’t Waste My Time” – A song that encapsulates the band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with a gritty, almost industrial sound.
“Why Why Why Why Why” – This track combines soulful vocals with a driving rhythm and contemplative lyrics about the struggles of life.
“Let Me Go” – A standout song about freedom and independence, with minimalist production that places focus on the emotional delivery of the vocals.
Mystery Around Sault: At the time of this release, very little was known about the members of Sault, which only added to the intrigue. The group has kept a low profile, eschewing traditional promotion and rarely giving interviews or detailed credits for their music. It’s widely believed that the producer Inflo is a central figure in the collective, with vocal contributions from artists like Cleo Sol and Kid Sister, though these have not always been officially confirmed.

Sault - 5 marks the beginning of the collective’s prolific output, which would continue to evolve with subsequent albums like 7 (2019), Untitled (Black Is) (2020), and more.

Last chance, this is the last repress.

Sault - Today & Tomorrow is one of five albums released by the collective Sault on November 1, 2022, as part of their unique musical offering. This album, in contrast to others in the batch like Untitled (God) and Earth, returns to more groove-driven, danceable tracks, blending genres like funk, punk, post-punk, and even elements of rock. Today & Tomorrow showcases Sault’s ability to continuously innovate while maintaining their commitment to socially conscious themes.

The album departs from Sault’s more soulful and ambient sounds by embracing a rawer, more aggressive energy, reminiscent of late 1970s and 1980s post-punk and new wave music. It’s characterized by tight basslines, punchy drums, and guitar-driven rhythms, combined with Sault's signature vocals. The album has a more rebellious and upbeat feel, channeling the energy of punk with a modern twist.

Lyrically, Today & Tomorrow tackles themes of change, resistance, and societal transformation, but with a sense of urgency and defiance that pairs well with its punk-rock influences. The album feels like a call to action, encouraging listeners to confront the challenges of the present while remaining hopeful for the future.

Key Tracks:

"Money" – A gritty, punk-infused track that critiques materialism and economic inequality with an infectious rhythm and rebellious energy.
"The Plan" – This song blends funky grooves with a post-punk edge, focusing on themes of control, resistance, and self-determination.
"Valley of the Ocean" – A slower, more reflective track, showcasing Sault's versatility as they transition between high-energy and more contemplative soundscapes.
Reception: Today & Tomorrow was praised for its bold shift in style and its ability to capture the raw energy of punk and rock while staying true to Sault's core messages of empowerment and social justice. Critics appreciated the album's diversity within the Sault discography and its willingness to embrace different musical forms, showing the collective's range and creativity.

This album stands as a testament to Sault’s genre-defying approach, bridging past and present sounds while continuing their focus on cultural commentary

Last chance, as this is the last repress.

Sault - Earth is one of five albums released by the collective Sault on November 1, 2022. This album marks a departure from their typical blend of soul, funk, R&B, and Afrobeat, embracing a more cinematic, classical, and orchestral sound that reflects the group's ever-evolving creative direction. It was part of a surprise drop alongside 11, Untitled (God), Aiir, and Today & Tomorrow.

Earth is characterized by its lush, orchestral arrangements, blending neo-classical music with ambient, meditative soundscapes. The album feels like a spiritual exploration, with expansive, sweeping compositions that create a sense of grandeur and reflection. The music features strings, woodwinds, and choral vocals, which gives it a cinematic quality, almost like a soundtrack to a grand narrative about humanity and the planet.

Thematically, Earth delves into ideas of nature, existence, and interconnectedness, continuing Sault’s focus on spirituality and collective human experience. Its ethereal sound is less rooted in the urban and rhythmic elements found in albums like Nine or 5, instead presenting a more meditative and reflective experience.

Key Tracks:

"The Beginning & the End" – A piece that feels like an overture, setting the tone for the album with a sense of both tranquility and grandeur.
"Solar" – A track that captures the ethereal quality of the album with serene orchestration and vocals that evoke the majesty of the natural world.
"God's Will" – A deeply spiritual composition, featuring choral vocals and a feeling of reverence and reflection on divine purpose.
Reception: Earth was praised for its bold shift in style, highlighting Sault’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres. Critics appreciated the album's rich, atmospheric compositions and its ability to evoke deep emotional and spiritual responses from listeners. It stands out from the collective's previous works for its instrumental focus and orchestral arrangements.

Though it may have been less immediately accessible than Sault’s funk and soul-driven albums, Earth has been recognized as a striking, meditative exploration of humanity’s relationship with the planet and the divine. Its inclusion in the five-album release offered a balanced counterpoint to the more groove-driven records like 11 and Today & Tomorrow

Sault - 7 is the second album by the enigmatic collective Sault, released in September 2019, just a few months after their debut 5. Like its predecessor, 7 builds on the group's distinctive fusion of funk, soul, Afrobeat, R&B, post-punk, and electronic music. The album continues to explore socially conscious themes, especially around the Black experience, empowerment, and resilience, all while maintaining a danceable and groove-driven sound.

Sault - 7 has a slightly darker and more introspective tone than 5, though it retains the infectious rhythms and minimalist production that define the group's sound. The album feels more cohesive, with stronger thematic continuity across the tracks. It deals with themes of love, loss, self-empowerment, and societal struggles. The music is often underpinned by hypnotic basslines, percussion-heavy grooves, and layered vocals, combining the experimental with the accessible.

Key Tracks:
"Over" – A standout track with a raw, pulsating rhythm and a sense of emotional urgency. The vocals convey a sense of heartbreak and frustration, paired with a minimal but powerful instrumental.
"No Bullshit" – This song blends funk and soul with a defiant message, urging listeners to cut through dishonesty and focus on truth and realness.
"Friends" – A soulful, almost melancholic reflection on relationships, with stripped-down instrumentation that lets the emotive vocals shine.
"Living in America" – One of the more overtly political tracks, it addresses racial injustice and the realities of systemic oppression, a theme that becomes more pronounced in Sault's later work.
"Feel So Good" – With its infectious groove and danceable rhythm, this track channels optimism and joy, bringing a sense of release and celebration despite the heavier topics covered in other songs.
Mystery and Collective Approach: Much like with their debut 5, Sault continued to maintain a low profile with 7, avoiding typical promotional strategies or revealing much about their identities. Inflo is believed to be the primary producer, with artists like Cleo Sol and Kid Sister likely contributing vocals, though the group's collaborative nature makes it difficult to pin down exact credits. This mystery only adds to their allure, allowing the music to stand front and center.

The release of 7 so soon after 5 demonstrated the collective's prolific creativity, establishing a pattern of frequent and impactful releases that challenge genre conventions while maintaining a strong social and cultural consciousness.

Sault - 7 was well-received by critics, who praised the album for its innovative sound, emotional depth, and powerful messages. It solidified Sault as a major force in contemporary music, blending the political with the personal in a way that feels both timeless and urgent.

Sault - Aiir is one of five albums released by the collective Sault on November 1, 2022. This album serves as a companion piece to Air, released earlier in April 2022, and follows a similar classical and orchestral approach. Aiir diverges from the band's more familiar funk, soul, and Afrobeat sound and instead emphasizes a more ethereal, cinematic style with orchestral and choral elements, offering a peaceful, meditative listening experience.

Like Air, Aiir is heavily influenced by classical music, featuring lush string arrangements, choral vocals, and serene soundscapes. The album has a strong focus on minimalist orchestration, blending elements of neo-classical, ambient, and spiritual music. It creates an atmosphere of reflection, calm, and transcendence, with a sense of grandeur and emotional depth. The music on Aiir evokes feelings of nature, spirituality, and human connection.

Thematically, Aiir builds on concepts of nature, space, and spiritual awakening, focusing less on direct social commentary than some of Sault’s other albums. It invites listeners into an experience of contemplation, serenity, and cosmic beauty.

Key Tracks:

"Hopes" – A track with soaring orchestration, featuring delicate strings and vocal harmonies, evoking feelings of aspiration and beauty.
"5am" – This track captures the stillness and calm of early morning, with a meditative quality that invites introspection.
"Healing" – A spiritually charged song that feels like a soundtrack to emotional and physical restoration, utilizing choral vocals and peaceful arrangements.
Connection to Air: While Aiir follows the same stylistic cues as Air, it offers its own distinct mood, acting as a meditative follow-up to its predecessor. The two albums together showcase Sault’s ability to craft music that feels both experimental and deeply evocative, extending beyond traditional genre boundaries.

Although Aiir received less mainstream attention compared to Sault's other albums, it was appreciated for its artistic bravery and its contrast with the group’s typically groove-oriented releases. Critics admired its classical influences and the way it could create an immersive, calming environment for listeners, positioning it as one of Sault’s more reflective and experimental works.

Sault - Aiir is a continuation of the collective’s exploration of new sonic territories, emphasizing their genre-fluid approach and artistic ambitio

"In a dramatic departure from their previous output, the UK collective taps into the spirituality of choral music and contemporary classical in an uplifting, celebratory, utterly gorgeous album." - Pitchfork

Sault returns with a new album featuring Michael Ofo and Little Simz. NINE will be limited to a short press run of 16,000 units, never to be re-issued again!

The fourth album by Sault scored 97/100 at Metacritic and is the most beloved album at HHVs Supreme 100 of 2020 list, chosen by 150 journalists, musicians, label makers and record collectors. Currently repressed and soon back in stock.

The second album of Sault follows their debut "5" which came out just three months prior to this one. Heads all over the world were still in awe of "5", when all of a sudden "7" dropped. Now, by the end of 2020, they are four critically acclaimed albums deep into buiding their own legacy.