Demystifying SAULT, the iconic yet enigmatic indie R&B / Soul collective that has taken the music world by storm and redefined contemporary musical artistry.
SAULT! This indie R&B/Soul group has taken the music world by storm with their soul-stirring melodies, socially conscious lyrics, and an aura of mystery that has us all locked in. With their mysterious allure and distinctive indie-Soul, SAULT has carved a niche for themselves. And after their monumental debut live show at Drumsheds, London, all eyes are on them. So we’re here to unravel their secrets, one groove at a time. Let’s dive into the enigma that is SAULT and uncover the hidden gems behind the collective.
Who Are SAULT?
Imagine a musical collective that thrives on anonymity, letting the music speak louder than the spotlight ever could. That’s SAULT. A mostly UK based collective, SAULT emerged on the scene with an aura of mystique, forgoing traditional promotional tactics in favour of allowing the listeners to connect with their music. And connect they did. On a visceral level.
SAULT’s journey began in 2019 with the release of their debut album “5,” an enchanting fusion of R&B, Soul and funk. This album marked the beginning of their signature sound – a blend of retro grooves and contemporary storytelling. Now they are 10 albums in and audiences are just as enthralled. What sets SAULT apart is their commitment to addressing pertinent social issues through their music, a ground-breaking genre-defying sound and their commitment to shift focus from the individual to their music and collective message.
What does SAULT mean?
So we now know that SAULT is an acronym for ‘Start A Universal Love Trend’. This was revealed for the first time at SAULT’s debut live show. During a performance of Masterpiece, dancers arranged white blocks with letters on them. The dance routine letters revealed the meaning of SAULT as an acronym.
The suspected members of SAULT
It’s pretty clear that anonymity is part of SAULT’s identity and that the collective are determined to shift focus from individual members to the music. This was clearest at their first live show where performers appeared on stage either behind screens so only their silhouettes were visible. Or they appeared on stage wearing masks.
While the individual members of SAULT remain shrouded in secrecy, over time, we have been able to reliably speculate on members of the collective. Piecing together credits, voices we can recognise from the music and now appearances on stage. Clearly, a central figure to SAULT and probably the collective’s composer is producer, Inflo. Inflo, known for his work with artists like Cleo Sol, Adele and Michael Kiwanuka, is consistenly credited on SAULT’s production. In fact we can confidently say that Inflo’s production is the centrepiece of the group’s rich avant-garde sound.
SAULT’s members appear to be Inflo’s most frequent and longstanding collaborators – Cleo Sol, Little Simz, Kid Sister, Ganavya, Chronixx and Michael Kiwanuka. All of them were part of SAULT’s first live show on December 14 2023 at Drumsheds in London.
About Inflo: an aside on SAULT’s lead figure
A moment to recognise the incredible work and contributions of Inflo. Born Dean Josiah Cover, Inflo is a producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Beyond his prolific productions on SAULT’s 10 albums, Inflo has earned a spot in any conversation of the great producers of our time.
Inflo’s Work with Little Simz: Inflo’s production prowess is at the fore of Little Simz’s critically and commercially acclaimed albums. Most notable of these are the feats that are Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (SIMBI) and No, Thank You. Little Simz won the mercury prize for the former album, while the latter was widely acclaimed with Gorilla being another big moment in Little Simz’ career. The productions on both albums showcase Inflo’s immense dexterity across a range of sounds and genres.
Inflo’s collaboration with Cleo Sol: In addition to their collaboration on SAULT’s work, Inflo and Cleo Sol have closely collaborated on her 4 albums since her 2018 EP, Winter Songs. In fact, Inflo produced all of those projects. Furthermore, the pair are a couple and share a son, and Sol has often cited their love as a source of inspiration.
Michael Kiwanuka’s distinctive sound: Another notable name intertwined with SAULT’s enigma is Michael Kiwanuka. Inflo produced his mercury prize winning 2019 album, KIWANUKA. Known for his distinctive fusion of folk, Soul and Jazz, Kiwanuka’s artistry aligns seamlessly with SAULT’s sonic vision.
Chronixx’s reggae fusion: Reggae artist Chronixx is also a SAULT collaborator. His vibrant reggae fusion finds harmony within SAULT’s genre-blurring musical canvas.
Inflo’s work on Adele’s 30: While she’s probably not affiliated to SAULT, Inflo’s versatility shines through in his work on Adele’s 2021 album, 30. He produced a quarter of the tracks on the album, earning him a major shout out from Adele in her acceptance speech for Best Artist at the Brits.
SAULT’s albums / music releases
“5” (2019)
SAULT burst onto the scene with “5,” a debut album that captivated listeners with its fusion of retro R&B rooted in James Brown era Funk. The tracks feel like a journey through a rich sonic landscape, seamlessly blending old-school influences with contemporary storytelling. Songs like ‘Up All Night‘ and Why Why Why Why Why‘ showcase the collective’s ability to craft infectious grooves while maintaining lyrical depth. But the standout is the aptly named ‘Masterpiece’.
“7” (2019)
SAULT’s sophomore release, “7,” continued their streak of excellence. The album carried a similar vibe to “5,” yet with a distinct flavour. “7” leans more into the avant-garde references that is now often seen in their m. Tracks like ‘Don’t Waste My Time‘ and ‘B.A.B.E.’ are evidence of SAULT’s prowess in crafting catchy, socially conscious hooks.
“UNTITLED (Black Is)” (2020)
With the backdrop of global conversations around race and anti-blackness in 2020, SAULT made a powerful statement with “UNTITLED (Black Is)”. This album served as a poignant exploration of black identity, injustice, and empowerment. Songs like “Wildfires” and “Black” resonated deeply with audiences for their powerful message and earworm rhythms.
“UNTITLED (Rise)” (2020)
Continuing their prolific streak, SAULT swiftly followed up with “UNTITLED (Rise),” which maintained the momentum of its predecessor. The album delved into themes of resilience, hope, and unity. Tracks like “Free“, “Strong” and “The Beginning & the End” exude positivity while remaining grounded in reality.
SAULT’s 2021 album “Nine” and its disappearing act
In a surprising turn of events, SAULT released their album “Nine” in 2021, only to make it available on streaming platforms and as digital download for 99 days before pulling it. It was yet another unconventional move from the enigmatic group. The album itself was a continuation of SAULT’s exploration of societal complexities, with tracks like ‘Scary Times‘ reflecting the unease of the times.
The five albums SAULT released in 2022
Just when we thought SAULT had stunned us enough, they embarked on an ambitious journey in 2022, releasing a staggering five albums – Untitled (God), Today & Tomorrow, Earth, 11 and Air. Each album explored diverse themes and emotions, yet the essence of SAULT’s retro-soul sound remained intact. From introspection to danceability, these albums showcased their versatility while maintaining their enigmatic allure. The standout album was certainly 11, one of 2022’s best albums, featuring songs like Fight for Love, Circle and Glory.
SAULT has redefined contemporary music. In fact, we would argue they are the most important group in music today.
SAULT has redefined contemporary music. In fact, we would argue they are the most important group in music today. From the music itself, to the way they have released it, their elusiveness and how they have redefined the experience of live music. While their true identities remain hidden, their impact on the music world is undeniable. SAULT continues to push boundaries and challenge conventions, inviting listeners to connect with their music on a profound level. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their sound, one thing’s for certain – the journey with SAULT is as mesmerising as the music itself.
