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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: -
After two fantastic politically charged albums in 2020 (Black & Rise), mysterious UK outfit Sault return with their newest outing Nine, which still focuses on issues plaguing black communities, but this time is light enough to focus on unity more than anything else. Although tracks like “Trap Life”, “Alcohol” and “Fear” reflects on darker themes of police shootings, substance abuse and the fear felt by those effected, other songs like “London ... read more
I fucking hate Sault feeling the need to gimmick everything. This is their best album that I’ve heard, although I’m yet to hear their first four, but “Oh, let’s remove it from streaming for a little gimmick”. Fuck you.
I managed to get a free download of this before they removed it from their platforms. I'm not going to lie this entire album is a full-on vibe that deals with trauma and darkness. It is a fantastic Neo-Soul album and a fascinating display of artistry
1 | Haha 0:51 | 67 |
2 | London Gangs 3:26 | 76 |
3 | Trap Life 3:03 | 72 |
4 | Fear 3:30 | 68 |
5 | Mike's Story 0:57 feat. Michael Ofo | 68 |
6 | Bitter Streets 4:02 | 84 |
7 | Alcohol 4:03 | 77 |
8 | You from London 3:51 feat. Little Simz | 78 |
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 |