Sault Earth

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