Air

Air, the first of five albums enigmatic outfit Sault would release in 2022, was an utter surprise, taking an abrupt musical left turn and substituting the future-dub-soul, spiritual-R’n’B, hip hop-blues and minimalist punk funk of their previous outings with an album of lush, orchestrated contemporary classical music. Not a breakbeat, funky bassline, Brazilian Batucada or soul vocal to be heard at all, the seven tracks that make up Air are thematic, dramatic, spiritual, celebratory orchestral and choral pieces. Once you get over the initial shock, what unfolds is an intense and uplifting sequence of rich, opulent tracks with wordless stacked choirs, strings, woodwind, brass and orchestral percussion, full of musical ebbs and flows, and moments of tranquillity and crescendo. Another surprise from a band who are somewhat defined by surprises, Air is an audacious and impressive album.