Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: SAULT's masterful combination of soul, funk and gospel has made them a major underground phenomenon and that's a position that this, their 11th album, only helped to reinforce when it emerged in December 2024. Helmed by producer Inflo and featuring Cleo Sol's velvety vocals, the album unfolds as a seamless 32-minute suite of nine tracks, brimming with lush instrumentals and poignant themes of love, connection and resilience. While it leans less on the political sharpness of 2020's Untitled (Black Is), the album's spiritual undertones and hopeful messages shine with equal brilliance. From the Marvin Gaye-esque syncopations of opener 'I Look For You' to the jazz-infused 'Set Your Spirit Free', each song flows effortlessly into the next. Tracks like 'Soul Clean' and 'Someone To Love You' evoke 70s funk with wah-wah guitars and vibrant percussion, while the sensual, gospelly closer 'Pray For Me' wraps the album in shimmering strings and heartfelt intimacy. Despite its repetitive moments, the dynamic arrangements and Cleo Sol's stirring delivery keep the momentum alive. For those seeking solace or upliftment, Acts of Faith offers a cohesive and soul-nourishing experienceiits blend of genres and meditative beauty, a comforting reminder of music's power to heal.

Review: Mysterious UK music collective Sault are now, rather amazingly, onto their 11th studio full-length album. Acts Of Faith keeps faithful to their terrific blend of deep soul, funk and modern gospel, and yet their collective identity remains elusive despite many a Mercury and MOBO garnered over the years. A core virtue of theirs is to sidestep industry pressures and rules in favour of a rawer expression in moods of spiritual uplift, and Acts Of Faith is no exception, manifesting without (much) PR fanfare. From the driving, hangout pysch-funk of 'I Look For You' to the aseptic spaghetti groove 'Soul Clean', not to mention the closing clasp 'Pray For Me' - replete with wide, intervallic string leaps reminiscent of a Bernard Hermann score - this is another sensitive record by Sault, representing the grief-stricken but ever open integrity of an inimitable modern soul "choir".

Review: Dean Josiah Cover AKA Info's Sault collective has been one of the success stories of the last few years - a hard-to-pigeonhole outfit that manages to knock out inspired albums at a rate of knots. Their latest full-length, '11', is another brilliant and must-check excursion. Largely lo-fi, languid and laidback, it delivers a particularly loose and lo-fi take on soul - blessed with their usual nods to Afrobeat and soundsystem culture - whose instrumentation is deliberately sparse and laidback (think bass guitar, drums and guitar). The results are rarely less than impeccable, with the collective's vocals (both female and male singers feature) rising above vintage-sounding grooves and arrangements that variously doff a cap to Sly Stone, Cymande and - on the drowsy, warming and synth-sporting 'Higher' - the more tactile end of British 80s soul.

Review: This soundtrack delves deep into the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, offering an immersive experience of the American funk legends' groundbreaking music and the complexities that shaped their journey. The collection takes listeners through the band's rise to fame, highlighting their timeless funk and soul hits, while also reflecting on the unseen burdens faced by Black artists in America. Notable tracks like 'Sing A Simple Song (Alternate Mix)' and 'Underdog' offer fresh takes on familiar classics, giving fans new perspectives on songs that have long been anthems. There are also remixes, such as J.PERIOD's edits of 'Dance To The Music' and 'Everyday People,' which breathe new energy into the band's beloved sound. The collection also features rare versions of tracks like 'Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)' and 'Family Affair,' adding to the richness of Sly's musical legacy. By incorporating interviews and insights from figures like Andre 3000, D'Angelo, and George Clinton, the soundtrack elevates the music, providing a context that goes beyond just the sound. It's a poignant reminder of the depth of Sly & The Family Stone's influence, revealing how their music continues to resonate with generations.