SAULT — IIII (2019)
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Andy: It should be absolutely clear from the opening track ("Up All Night") that this collective is the next movement. We didn't know it at the time, but they have appropriately not stood still ever since this came out.
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Andy: It should be absolutely clear from the opening track ("Up All Night") that this collective is the next movement. We didn't know it at the time, but they have appropriately not stood still ever since this came out.
Junior: Absolutely dude. Prophetic as hell with "Foot On Necks" too — really the only commentary track on this album and nearly a full year before George Floyd (respect). This isn't as political as they would become, though.
Andy: Do you like "Why Why Why Why Why"?
Andy: Do you like "Why Why Why Why Why"?
Junior: Of course, that shit slams so hard! Reminds me of like a Prince song he gave away to Sheila E or something.
Andy: Would you consider Prince one of their biggest influences? Andy would.
Junior: Yeah, I would . . . but like, more in spirit than actual sound. This is way more sparse than P ever was.
Andy: That's very true. Think I prefer the ballads, but that's probably not a surprise to hear.
Andy: That's very true. Think I prefer the ballads, but that's probably not a surprise to hear.
Junior: No, I get why man. "Masterpiece" and "We Are the Sun" are really pretty. That's your bag. I have to say: this album as a whole had zero indication of their full potential. Almost feels like they cover too much ground in too little time.
Andy: Agree that it does come off a little chaotic and kind of directionless. But not in the negative way that those labels might suggest. More of like, "Huh, wonder what this is all about."
Andy: Agree that it does come off a little chaotic and kind of directionless. But not in the negative way that those labels might suggest. More of like, "Huh, wonder what this is all about."
Junior: I get what you mean: it's a perfect table setter for what was to come. At the time, it was just confusing because it was so dope and just came completely out of nowhere.
Andy: Key tracks?
Andy: Key tracks?
Junior: "Up All Night" is my pick from this one.
Andy: Would add "Why Why Why Why Why" and "Masterpiece"
SAULT — 7 (2019)
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Junior: They have pretty much mastered the art of the killer opening track. "Over" has shades of Liquid Liquid and that's the first instance of me wondering how much new wave has influenced Inflo's sound.
Andy: Would add "Why Why Why Why Why" and "Masterpiece"
SAULT — 7 (2019)
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Junior: They have pretty much mastered the art of the killer opening track. "Over" has shades of Liquid Liquid and that's the first instance of me wondering how much new wave has influenced Inflo's sound.
Andy: It is a fine point, indeed. They have all of the classic righteous r+b touchstone influences. But then you get irresistibly skeletal jams like "Smile and Go." That one in particular reminds Andy very much of one of those classic ESG bass vamps that somehow become these totally catchy pop songs. 99 Records feels like a main influence going forward.
Junior: Dude, these rhythms are just undeniable! Some of this shit sounds like vintage Dilla drums!
Andy: Think it hits a little harder on this album because it's actually their shortest record so far.
Junior: Dude, these rhythms are just undeniable! Some of this shit sounds like vintage Dilla drums!
Andy: Think it hits a little harder on this album because it's actually their shortest record so far.
Junior: Is it? Dang. Quality over quantity. I prefer this one over IIII by just a tiny bit. I think "No Bullshit" pushes it over the top for me. "Don't want your mind disease" is some cold ass shit to put into a chorus.
Andy: Love the Heart of the Congos reference on "Threats." One of their best tunes, Andy would think. This was a noticeable step up in quality at the time and a truly surprising release.
Andy: Love the Heart of the Congos reference on "Threats." One of their best tunes, Andy would think. This was a noticeable step up in quality at the time and a truly surprising release.
Junior: Co-sign. Key tracks?
Andy: "Smile and Go" and "Threats" are the ones that stick with me the most. Would like to give a mention to "Friends" as well. Maybe some shades of Sade there.
Junior: "No Bullshit" for me.
SAULT — Untitled (Black Is) (2020)
Andy: "Smile and Go" and "Threats" are the ones that stick with me the most. Would like to give a mention to "Friends" as well. Maybe some shades of Sade there.
Junior: "No Bullshit" for me.
SAULT — Untitled (Black Is) (2020)
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Andy: This is where it became clear that something extraordinary was happening. "Dense and loaded" feels like a good general description for this and the next album.
Junior: Serious business, for sure.
Andy: There is so much language all over this record about loving yourself and understanding that the world will sometimes try to convince you otherwise. Andy appreciates that so very much. It fills the heart with hope. There simply isn't enough contemporary music that digs beyond superficial self-positivity. In that respect, this album is aimed directly at people of color, and understandably so, but also feels very life-affirming for anyone who has ever felt beaten down by "the establishment."
Junior: Honestly fuck "the establishment", Andy. ACAB. Nobody in a three piece suit ever did a fucking thing to earn our respect or trust, bro.
Andy: Well yes, but they find a way to put those sentiments into productive and poignant language. And it has a good beat and you can dance to it☺. Is this your favorite of their albums (so far)?
Andy: This is where it became clear that something extraordinary was happening. "Dense and loaded" feels like a good general description for this and the next album.
Junior: Serious business, for sure.
Andy: There is so much language all over this record about loving yourself and understanding that the world will sometimes try to convince you otherwise. Andy appreciates that so very much. It fills the heart with hope. There simply isn't enough contemporary music that digs beyond superficial self-positivity. In that respect, this album is aimed directly at people of color, and understandably so, but also feels very life-affirming for anyone who has ever felt beaten down by "the establishment."
Junior: Honestly fuck "the establishment", Andy. ACAB. Nobody in a three piece suit ever did a fucking thing to earn our respect or trust, bro.
Andy: Well yes, but they find a way to put those sentiments into productive and poignant language. And it has a good beat and you can dance to it☺. Is this your favorite of their albums (so far)?
Junior: Even now, they've been so consistent that it's a hard call. "Monsters" slams so fucking hard — that's maybe my favorite track they've yet done. So, uhm, maybe???
Andy: The middle trilogy of "Us" / "Eternal Life" / "Only Synth In Church" felt like an instant classic moment for Andy. That said, some of the interludes do seem a bit aimless and unnecessary. I think it's interesting that the one non-commentary track ("Hold Me") is kind of one of the lesser moments on the record.
Junior: Yeah man, I dunno. Tough call. The highlights are just so damn good.
Andy: And it does feel like nearly all of the proper songs are highlights in some way. Really just terrific music. Key tracks?
Junior: I got "Monsters", "Bow" with Michael Kiwanuka, and "Don't Shoot, Guns Down." You?
Andy: "Eternal Life" (and its surrounding pieces) and "Wildfires" are the ones I go back to most frequently.
Junior: Sheeeit, add "Wildfires" to my list too! Damn good album.
SAULT — Untitled (Rise) (2020)
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Junior: This is the one that finally sold me, so maybe this is my favorite. So fucking epic.
Junior: I got "Monsters", "Bow" with Michael Kiwanuka, and "Don't Shoot, Guns Down." You?
Andy: "Eternal Life" (and its surrounding pieces) and "Wildfires" are the ones I go back to most frequently.
Junior: Sheeeit, add "Wildfires" to my list too! Damn good album.
SAULT — Untitled (Rise) (2020)
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Junior: This is the one that finally sold me, so maybe this is my favorite. So fucking epic.
Andy: Is "Strong" their best opening tune?
Junior: Another seriously tough call. If it's not, it's definitely #2 on that list.
Andy: What even is that song?!!??! Afrobeat-influenced Breakwater style modern soul, featuring a marching band drumline??
Andy: What even is that song?!!??! Afrobeat-influenced Breakwater style modern soul, featuring a marching band drumline??
Junior: It's absolute fucking perfection is what it is, Andy. You talked about the last album being very self-empowering, but that's the vibe I get from this one.
Andy: Yes, absolutely. It feels like Black Is was the realization of that concept (or worldview) and this one is the mastery of it.
Andy: Yes, absolutely. It feels like Black Is was the realization of that concept (or worldview) and this one is the mastery of it.
Junior: Yep, that's it! You nailed it. "Fearless" is playing in my head a lot recently whenever we're in unfamiliar situations. That opening one-two punch kicks so much fucking ass — MAN! Still blows me away.
Andy: Would you agree if Andy said that, as far as production goes, this is their most fleshed-out and best sounding album?
Junior: Yeah, of the SAULT albums, definitely. It slows down a bit in the second half, but it's not even like those songs dip in quality, just a more sustained vibe. Mostly though, the grooves and heavier reliance on synths give it more of a super dope retro-80s feel in places. Makes it feel like the songs can just go any direction they need to. Really a lot more organic, and maybe a little less jammy than past material.
Andy: Would you agree if Andy said that, as far as production goes, this is their most fleshed-out and best sounding album?
Junior: Yeah, of the SAULT albums, definitely. It slows down a bit in the second half, but it's not even like those songs dip in quality, just a more sustained vibe. Mostly though, the grooves and heavier reliance on synths give it more of a super dope retro-80s feel in places. Makes it feel like the songs can just go any direction they need to. Really a lot more organic, and maybe a little less jammy than past material.
Andy: It's Andy's favorite of the SAULT albums for that reason.
Junior: Understandable, dude. Really thinking that's where I'm at too. Like I can't even say anything else: it's a goddamn highlight reel. For real.
Andy: Key tracks?
Junior: I mean, a bunch. Like half the damn album, bro.
Andy: Key tracks?
Junior: I mean, a bunch. Like half the damn album, bro.
Andy: Andy's picks would be "Strong", "Fearless", "Son Shine", "Free", and the beautiful closer "Little Boy."
Junior: All of those would be on my list. I would add "The Beginning & the End" because it's a legitimate fucking Afrobeat jam. Unreal.
SAULT — NINE (2021)
SAULT — NINE (2021)
Junior: Yeah, but it's not even like this is bad either. "London Gangs" the other contender for their best opener. I almost expect Chuck D to start spitting a verse.
Andy: That would make Andy extremely happy. This does feature their first (and, so far, only) proper hiphop song on "You From London?" (featuring a show-stealing performance by Little Simz).
Junior: Yes man, and that shit is dope as hell! Basically saying, "Fuck off, we do what we wanna do." It's appropriate that's on this record, too. This is definitely a return to the angrier, more sparse and aggressive mood of Black Is. Remind me later: we gotta check for Little Simz.
Andy: And, also much like Black Is, it is very political. At the same time, it is probably their most melancholy album, Andy should think. It addresses street gang culture throughout London, perhaps explaining the mood.
Junior: Yeah, weird kinda dour overtone to this one. I think that's why it just doesn't hit as hard: Rise was so confident and enthusiastic in its message, but here you get stuff like "Alcohol", "London Gangs", and "Fear" — all of which feel like the band kind of collectively throwing their hands up and going, "I dunno, but here's some more ideas." But they're still able to make songs that are totally engaging. Like, it feels like the craft is as good as ever.
Andy: Yes, would definitely say that there's an odd dynamic at work here. But not to the album's detriment. What did you think of the limited release?
Junior: Like . . . I think there's probably an uncleared sample on "You From London?" so they didn't want to risk getting sued (that's just a guess). Glad we got it, for sure though. It's still on YouTube for now.
Andy: Wonder how it will be remembered.
Junior: I just think of it as "the next album that was also really good, but not quite as good." Kind of like Fullfilingness was to Stevie. Key tracks?
Andy: "Bitter Streets" (one of their most gorgeous tunes, I'd say), "You From London?", and the title track. How about you?
Junior: "London Gangs" and "You From London?"
Cleo Sol — Mother (2021)
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Junior: "London Gangs" and "You From London?"
Cleo Sol — Mother (2021)
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Andy: Think this is our first unanimous "album of the year" pick in quite some time.
Junior: Listen man, this is like the music that the Soulquarians begat.
Andy: Agreed. It is quite lovely and deeply resonating music. Felt very much like a first listen instant classic.
Andy: Agreed. It is quite lovely and deeply resonating music. Felt very much like a first listen instant classic.
Junior: And it just gets better with time. Like the songs go off into these directions that you notice more details in with each listen.
Andy: Also agreed. It's a long album, too. Over an hour. Feels very much like a spiritual sequel to Mama's Gun in Andy's mind.
Junior: But also its own thing. Like, I dunno, it has kind of a folky influence???
Andy: Would say, along with the expected influences by this point, this one definitely has a more pronounced 70s pop influence. Did you like Rose in the Dark?
Andy: Would say, along with the expected influences by this point, this one definitely has a more pronounced 70s pop influence. Did you like Rose in the Dark?
Junior: I mean, yeah . . . but it totally felt like "the side project", y'know?
Andy: Was just going to remark that the scope of this album easily eclipses any of her previous work, including with SAULT. The title is a nod to the birth of her first child and it's accordingly her most personal work.
Andy: Was just going to remark that the scope of this album easily eclipses any of her previous work, including with SAULT. The title is a nod to the birth of her first child and it's accordingly her most personal work.
Junior: You know what's crazy? Nobody official has ever confirmed that she's actually in SAULT.
Andy: Andy likes that a lot. As if SAULT is the name of the creator of that music, period. No individual members receive credit. But it's easy to see why she would want to distinguish clearly between her role in SAULT and records like this one. This is definitely not SAULT.
Junior: Definitely not. At the same time, I feel like it's the complete potential of that collective fully realized for the first time.
Andy: Andy's favorite of the catalogue thus far.
Junior: I feel like I could just keep talking generalities about how fucking good it is. Because man! Front to back listen, every time.
Andy: Agreed. So very full of so many beautiful harmonies and reminiscent of so many classic sounds. But also very fresh because of how restlessly gorgeous it is. Rewarding listen every time, Andy would like to add. Key tracks?
Junior: Man, like ninety percent of the damn album!! That said, I really dig "Don't Let it Go to Your Head" and of course "Music" is probably my highlight (whole thing is dope, but that second half is just . . . shivering good). Yours?
Andy: "Music" also Andy's overall highlight, but also agreed that it is another "highlight reel" of an album. "Build Me Up" has got to be one of the most spiritual songs Andy has heard in quite a long time (and the outro sounds like a lost Dilla beat). "We Need You" is a favorite if for nothing else than the phased out guitar (but the coda is one of the record's most resonating moments).
Junior: And I mean . . . the first two tracks ("Don't Let Me Fall" and "Promises"). When I first heard this and it opened like that . . . just, goddamn.
Andy: Yes, agreed. We've now named about two-thirds of the record and it still feels like we haven't covered all of the highlights.
Junior: Told you, man. Andy was right: instant classic.
Listen to these records a lot. They fucking jam.— j.
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