2020s 206 Items

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.

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.

180 gram audiophile vinyl
Gatefold sleeve with liner notes
Selected songs from the American country rock band featuring “My Kind Of Love”, “Crazy Love”, “Ramblin'Man”, “Heart Of The Night”, “Call It Love” a.o.
Black vinyl