Sault: The Enigmatic Collective Redefining Modern Soul

Sault is a mysterious British music collective known for their genre-blending sound that incorporates soul, funk, R&B, and Afrobeat. Operating under a veil of anonymity, the group has released a prolific and critically acclaimed series of albums since their emergence in 2019, cultivating a dedicated global following through word-of-mouth and artistic integrity rather than traditional industry promotion.

Early Career

Emerging seemingly out of nowhere in 2019, Sault established their enigmatic presence from the outset. The collective, believed to be masterminded by producer and songwriter Inflo (known for his work with Michael Kiwanuka and Little Simz), deliberately withholds member identities and rarely grants interviews, focusing attention solely on the music itself.

Breakthrough

Sault's breakthrough arrived with their first two albums, "5" and "7", both released unexpectedly in 2019. The raw, soulful sound and their unconventional release strategy-dropping albums with little warning and no press-quickly generated intense online buzz and critical praise, establishing them as a unique force in modern UK music.

Key tracks

Wildfires - This powerful, socially-conscious soul anthem from the album "7" became an early fan favorite and a defining statement of the group's poignant lyrical style.

Free - A standout track from "5", it encapsulates the collective's ability to blend uplifting melodies with deep, resonant grooves.

Strong - Featured on the 2020 album "Untitled (Black Is)", this song showcases their empowering, community-focused songwriting within a lush soul and R&B framework.

The collective's output accelerated with the 2020 releases "Untitled (Black Is)" and "Untitled (Rise)", albums created in response to the global Black Lives Matter movement which were offered as free downloads for 48 hours. Their prolific nature continued with surprise album drops in 2022, including "Air", "11", and "Earth", further expanding their sonic palette into more atmospheric and experimental territory while maintaining their core soul and funk influences. The mystery surrounding Sault, including speculation about possible featured vocalists, remains a key part of their allure, proving that in the modern era, music can resonate profoundly without traditional artist narratives.

Fans of Sault's innovative blend of soul and funk may also appreciate the work of Little Simz, who frequently collaborates with Sault's producer Inflo. The rich, soulful soundscapes of Michael Kiwanuka share a similar depth and musicality. The genre-defying approach of Cleo Sol, another artist linked to the collective's circle, also offers a comparable listening experience.

The music of Sault, with its deep grooves and soulful resonance, fits perfectly on stations dedicated to modern soul, alternative R&B, and innovative funk. Listeners can discover the enigmatic sound of Sault through the curated selections on various independent and specialist radio streams featured here.