A rhythmic masterclass of dry, analog soul and post-punk funk. Warm basslines and collective vocals create a sound that feels both vintage and futuristic.
It’s like a lost 70s funk tape found in a London basement and polished to a modern sheen.
A confident, rhythmic cool that balances infectious energy with a mysterious, late-night intimacy.
Released in May 2019, '5' serves as the enigmatic debut of the British collective SAULT. Produced by Inflo, the album arrived with little fanfare but quickly garnered critical acclaim for its unique synthesis of styles. Sonically, the record is anchored by prominent, melodic basslines and a 'dry' production aesthetic that recalls the minimalist funk of ESG and the soulful warmth of early 70s Motown. The album's structure is episodic, featuring 14 tracks that range from full-length grooves like 'Up All Night' to brief, atmospheric vignettes. Critics, including those at AllMusic and The Guardian, praised the album for its ability to traverse genres - including afrobeat, post-punk, and soul - without feeling derivative. It established the group's signature use of anonymous, collective vocals, which would become a hallmark of their later, more overtly political works. '5' remains a foundational text in the modern UK soul scene, blending rhythmic urgency with a sophisticated, understated cool.
Put this on for
Headphones on and the city lights blurring past the bus windowKitchen floor dancing while the coffee pot hissesThat specific 2am energy where you're tired but your mind is racingSunday morning sunlight hitting the dust motes in a quiet apartmentWalking with a purpose through a neighborhood that's finally waking upLate night drive through empty streets with the windows cracked openSmall gathering where the conversation is good and the lighting is low
Moments worth waiting for
The infectious, driving bassline of 'Up All Night' that immediately establishes the album's rhythmic dominance.
The sudden shift into the stripped-back, percussion-heavy groove of 'Don't Waste My Time'.
The way the choral harmonies on 'Masterpiece' swell and recede over a skeletal, hypnotic beat.
Sounds like
2019s production with a timeless soul
Sits beside
A South Central Thicket - 30/70, Black Focus - Yussef Kamaal, ESG - ESG, The Return - Sampa the Great
Lyrical territory
social_commentary, self_examination, identity
03Deviation
5 · vs · SAULT
Artist
This Album
High Energy
Energy · ↑ +27% more than usual
On this album, high energy sits about 27% more prominent than across the rest of the artist's catalogue.
