Where the two Untitleds were aflame with anger as well as pain, Nine returns to trauma – and healing – as its central motif. “The pain is real,” Sault repeat.
It might not feel like a revolution, but Nine is the sound of workers taking back control.
NINE is another stacked addition for Sault’s oeuvre, a journey through space, time and funk which remains rooted to real world issues at all times.
Musically, a lot sounds familiar if you have been following the group over the last couple of years, but SAULT has again done what SAULT does best – created something beautiful that carries an ever so important message.
While it doesn’t hit the same spine-tingling euphoric heights as 2020’s ultra-dynamic duo, Nine is another excellent addition to the group’s catalogue.
Once again, SAULT demonstrate the power of words and just how impactful music can be. It’s impossible not to feel affected by the stories being told.
A project that wrestles with complex ideas, ‘Nine’ never quite settles. Masterful in its softness of touch, Sault know when to apply and relieve pressure; at moments it can be intense, yet others are bathed in a beatific R&B halo.
The elusive UK group’s third album in just over a year—to be made available online for only 99 days—renders Black trauma in the eerie, sing-song cadences of children’s rhymes.
While Nine pales in comparison to the collective's 2020 output, it's still well worth checking out...while you still can.
They've done it again... I don't even know what to say about this group anymore. Releasing 5 projects as good as this in just 3 years is pretty amazing and I feel like they still have a lot more in the tank.
Favorite tracks: London Gangs, Bitter Streets, Alcohol, You from London, 9
Least favorite: -
SAULT continues to be one of the most consistent rnb/neo soul acts with their latest installment NINE. Despite the beginning of the album being a little lackluster in some areas, SAULT continues to bring black excellence to the UK music scene with beautiful rnb tunes especially the last 3 tracks.
Best Tracks: 9, You From London, Light's in Your Hand, London Gangs, Bitter Streets
I don't know what genre this is, who SAULT is, or what I even listened to but it was really good. Bitter Streets on top.
A real gem that I can't fathom why they put the weird 99 days restiction on it. I want to get drunk and listen to Alcohol at 5 am in the subway while getting home, but still happy that at least it exists
1 | Haha 0:51 | 69 |
2 | London Gangs 3:26 | 76 |
3 | Trap Life 3:03 | 73 |
4 | Fear 3:30 | 68 |
5 | Mike's Story 0:57 feat. Michael Ofo | 70 |
6 | Bitter Streets 4:02 | 84 |
7 | Alcohol 4:03 | 77 |
8 | You from London 3:51 feat. Little Simz | 79 |
9 | 9 5:14 | 76 |
10 | Light's in Your Hands 5:05 | 80 |
#5 | / | The Observer: Kitty Empire |
#5 | / | Uncut |
#6 | / | The Guardian |
#10 | / | Variety: Jem Aswad |
#11 | / | Gaffa (Sweden) |
#15 | / | Record Collector |
#16 | / | Albumism |
#17 | / | MAGNET |
#20 | / | Sound Opinions: Jim DeRogatis |
#20 | / | The Forty-Five |