X

 

SAULT have done it again and released a new album without further notice. For more than six years, the British neo-soul collective has been releasing one great record after another.

They don't tell us who exactly is behind the band, only that the great vocals are by Cleo Sol. SAULT also show us on this album that there are indeed ways to breathe new life into soul and R&B. Often minimalistically arranged and with bass lines that other bands would give their lives for, the magic of their songs is often only revealed on repeated listens, as there is always something new to discover. X is another album that could set the style for this genre.

New Song On Sunday

 

I have always had great respect for artists who get involved in social projects, even if this rarely results in anything great musically. Some time ago, Massive Attack and Edinburgh's Young Father joined forces and released ceasfire together with Fontaine's D.C.. An EP on which all proceeds are to be donated to Doctors Without Frontiers, a worldwide association of doctors who alleviate the greatest need in the current crisis and war zones. Musically, the result is a trip-hop track that I wouldn't have expected. Piano chords break through the slow groove of Give, where spoken words take centre stage. The song, which could easily have been written by Sault, is convincing and had me pressing the play button again and again.

2021 - Long 1/2

 

The year is almost over and it is time to have a look back to the releases from 2021. I have to say that there were many albums released that are worth to be mentioned in a retrospective. Not all albums that impressed me or made fun got it on the year and list. What doesn't mean that they are no good at all but I decided to list 21 albums from this year without scoring in the order. 

Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg

Sault - Nine

Ben Watt - Storm Shelter

The Orb - Abolition of the Royal Familia (Guillotine mixes)

International Music - Ententraum

Mogwai - As The Love Continues

Nashville Ambient Ensemble - Cerulean

Curtis Harding - If Words Were Flowers

Dot Allison - Heart Shaped Scars

Parquet Courts - Sympathy For Life

Alan Vega - After Dark

The Return Of Soul

 

Soul is a genre you might love or not but sometimes artists appear building bridges from the classic sound of blues and gospel inspired music to a very own kind of psych-rock and hip hop. Curtis Harding shows on If Words Are Flowers what today's soul music can be. A smooth and voluminous voice drifting between all named genres. Perfect arranged songs shows the acoustic spectrum that modern soul could offer. Full horn sections meet guitar licks and wah-wah sounds. Sometimes I think Stevie Wonder meets Jimi Hendrix or other psychedelic guitarists. If you decide to get a modern soul album from this year go and get it (otherwise you can own the latest Sault album).