Curious how this'll be received/covered now that Inflo's persona non grata after the Little Simz stuff.
It already felt like the band's previous releases were getting less and less traction after how much praise the first couple got, but I guess that's pretty normal, especially for a band known for a gimmicky release strategy.
Pretty sure the news was already out when the last album came out. Regardless I dont think us fans should become invested in things like that where we really don't have enough information to make any type of informed judgement. But from what I've seen you have some people who are outspoken about it but most don't care
Both Little Simz and Inflo do try to get us involved though. Of course Lotus was full of allegations by Simz towards Inflo and now the lyrics of Chapter 1 (the song) seems directly aimed at Simz as well: “You’re just a loser and hate that I’m a winner. (…) know you like to hate (…) but I owe you a thank you for walking away. (…) living in your head ‘cause the rent is cheap And you count your problems before you go to sleep. (…) saying why is everybody so obsessed with me.” (Simz literally asks Inflo why he’s so obsessed with her on Thief)
Interesting time for Sault - their London summer festival absolutely bombed last year so interested to see whether this manages to steer the ship slightly.
Did it? Whatever the hell they were doing in Soho had a queue that stretched almost to Oxford Street - we were sat in the Soho Theatre drinking, having given up on joining it. Too hot, as well.
It sounds like they tried to do a high-concept performance in a day festival, and had some logistic issues as well. All the feedback I heard was pretty universally awful.
I went to that. I was expecting something more but it was a 5 minute walk through an immersive art piece and a 3 minute vocal jam with Cleo. Supposedly freestyle but I think everyone got roughly the same "experience" I don't want to knock it too hard but why I queued up I don't know. I was next to Some guy and he had some top draw hash (maybe that's why) so many "and I chundered everywhaaar" rich, day festival coke fiends in the queue 😆
Bloody hot day to be queuing down Dean Street in the sun, and I concur with your assessment of the queue. By the time we'd finished our traditional Lunchtime O'Booze catchup, things were looking a bit chaotic.
Not sure what you mean by "preachy" but most of these artists have put out polarizing or expressly political material (Marvin Gaye's most recognizable record is a protest album). Creating message-driven music doesn't preclude artists from unfair business practices, theft and poor behavior.Ymmv on separating the art from the artist or what level of hypocrisy is a step too far, of course.
Icl seeing a group that crafts such intentional music take advantage is sad. Not unheard of, but, sucks nonetheless.
I guess I meant preachy in an overtly religious sense rather than socially conscious (which I know Sault also have been in the past)… but when the lyrics of the past few albums are EXPLICITLY about God, faith and following the word and then you hear those lyrics in the context of what happened with Simz, it’s not just that those words ring hollow, but they also actually seem quite sinister, knowing the levels of manipulation that can lurk underneath the loving facade of religion (I said ‘can’ not ‘always does’ before all the religious people start hating me 🤣) I don’t know… usually I’m all for separating art/artist but it’s just too much cognitive dissonance with this one for me 🤷🏻♀️
I feel the same way. It’s possibly a hypocritical stance from me as I listen to a lot of shitty artists. However the whole thing are Simz and Inflo was the family image they’d cultivated. So to hear this Simz was exploited leaves me with a bad feeling around SAULT..
It’s fine and easy to listen to I suppose, but it’s getting too religious for my taste. I’m no Sault scholar, but the shift from “groovy protest soul” to whatever this is, is boring af. Feels like I’ve heard this album before, but done better and by better bands.
After two full listens, I think this is a solid Sault album. The lawsuit with Little Simz and poor live performance shouldn’t cloud one’s opinion of their art. Plenty of great artists have had tumultuous relationships with other artists, producers, and managers - not to mention the public. While their lyrics are mostly faith-based, the melodies, rhythms, and overall production is excellent. Given most of the lyrics are mantras, it’s easy for me to separate the meaning from the overall esthetic. I think this album is a great example of the best of what Sault has to offer - soul, r&b, funk, and rock. 4 out of 5 stars for me, and I have been following them from the beginning.
I’ve definitely mellowed a bit on Saul’s in light of everything recently. Was expecting this to be fine but quite enjoyed it. Better than their last couple projects.
I know Inflo produces for him but lots of it is reminding me of his production on Michael Kiwanuka’s records specifically.
Curious how this'll be received/covered now that Inflo's persona non grata after the Little Simz stuff.
It already felt like the band's previous releases were getting less and less traction after how much praise the first couple got, but I guess that's pretty normal, especially for a band known for a gimmicky release strategy.
Agreed. Always felt the superfluous reviews didn't match up with the music (for me). Let's see now their PR is pretty dented how they're received.
That said, I do love Cleo Sol and think she is capable of really making a classic over the next few years.
FYI that isn’t quite the right use of that word
I actually meant superlative and even then I'm not sure that's right haha.
Hyperbolic?
Mother is a classic.
Pretty sure the news was already out when the last album came out. Regardless I dont think us fans should become invested in things like that where we really don't have enough information to make any type of informed judgement. But from what I've seen you have some people who are outspoken about it but most don't care
Both Little Simz and Inflo do try to get us involved though. Of course Lotus was full of allegations by Simz towards Inflo and now the lyrics of Chapter 1 (the song) seems directly aimed at Simz as well: “You’re just a loser and hate that I’m a winner. (…) know you like to hate (…) but I owe you a thank you for walking away. (…) living in your head ‘cause the rent is cheap And you count your problems before you go to sleep. (…) saying why is everybody so obsessed with me.” (Simz literally asks Inflo why he’s so obsessed with her on Thief)
Yeah Simz definitely has, Chapter 1 might be but its hard to say as they've often had lyrics like that
Interesting time for Sault - their London summer festival absolutely bombed last year so interested to see whether this manages to steer the ship slightly.
Did it? Whatever the hell they were doing in Soho had a queue that stretched almost to Oxford Street - we were sat in the Soho Theatre drinking, having given up on joining it. Too hot, as well.
It sounds like they tried to do a high-concept performance in a day festival, and had some logistic issues as well. All the feedback I heard was pretty universally awful.
It was pretty mad, some bits were excellent, some bits were beyond parody awful.
The Cleo bits and the Cleo solo set right after were unbelievable 10/10
Ohhhhh. Sounds over-ambitious. I don't blame them for trying, it's definitely their thing. All Points East isn't their festival, though.
I went to that. I was expecting something more but it was a 5 minute walk through an immersive art piece and a 3 minute vocal jam with Cleo. Supposedly freestyle but I think everyone got roughly the same "experience" I don't want to knock it too hard but why I queued up I don't know. I was next to Some guy and he had some top draw hash (maybe that's why) so many "and I chundered everywhaaar" rich, day festival coke fiends in the queue 😆
Bloody hot day to be queuing down Dean Street in the sun, and I concur with your assessment of the queue. By the time we'd finished our traditional Lunchtime O'Booze catchup, things were looking a bit chaotic.
Just haven’t been able to see SAULT in the same way since the Inflo/Simz stuff. Leaves a sour taste in the mouth
If you want a list of people who stiffed each other in the music industry you'll have a short playlist
To name but a few
I hear you but all those people didn’t create a musical identity around preachy themes… it’s the hypocrisy that makes people a little queasy
Fair, fair
Not sure what you mean by "preachy" but most of these artists have put out polarizing or expressly political material (Marvin Gaye's most recognizable record is a protest album). Creating message-driven music doesn't preclude artists from unfair business practices, theft and poor behavior.Ymmv on separating the art from the artist or what level of hypocrisy is a step too far, of course.
Icl seeing a group that crafts such intentional music take advantage is sad. Not unheard of, but, sucks nonetheless.
I guess I meant preachy in an overtly religious sense rather than socially conscious (which I know Sault also have been in the past)… but when the lyrics of the past few albums are EXPLICITLY about God, faith and following the word and then you hear those lyrics in the context of what happened with Simz, it’s not just that those words ring hollow, but they also actually seem quite sinister, knowing the levels of manipulation that can lurk underneath the loving facade of religion (I said ‘can’ not ‘always does’ before all the religious people start hating me 🤣) I don’t know… usually I’m all for separating art/artist but it’s just too much cognitive dissonance with this one for me 🤷🏻♀️
I feel the same way. It’s possibly a hypocritical stance from me as I listen to a lot of shitty artists. However the whole thing are Simz and Inflo was the family image they’d cultivated. So to hear this Simz was exploited leaves me with a bad feeling around SAULT..
It’s fine and easy to listen to I suppose, but it’s getting too religious for my taste. I’m no Sault scholar, but the shift from “groovy protest soul” to whatever this is, is boring af. Feels like I’ve heard this album before, but done better and by better bands.
I thought this was a return to the funky soul music tbh and isnt a religious album like their recent ones. I thought it was a great return to form
1000% agreed. I'm 6-7 songs in and it just doesn't move me. The groovy protest, funk/soul shit is what made me a fan of them. This shit is mid af.
After two full listens, I think this is a solid Sault album. The lawsuit with Little Simz and poor live performance shouldn’t cloud one’s opinion of their art. Plenty of great artists have had tumultuous relationships with other artists, producers, and managers - not to mention the public. While their lyrics are mostly faith-based, the melodies, rhythms, and overall production is excellent. Given most of the lyrics are mantras, it’s easy for me to separate the meaning from the overall esthetic. I think this album is a great example of the best of what Sault has to offer - soul, r&b, funk, and rock. 4 out of 5 stars for me, and I have been following them from the beginning.
Is this the same act that released a single called Wildfires?
Yes
Dang.
I really like that tune but hadn't heard other songs..shame that they're a flash in the pan.
Does anyone actually get excited about Sault anymore. I for one don't. Feels like the same album over and over again. FOMO has left
I’ve definitely mellowed a bit on Saul’s in light of everything recently. Was expecting this to be fine but quite enjoyed it. Better than their last couple projects.
I know Inflo produces for him but lots of it is reminding me of his production on Michael Kiwanuka’s records specifically.
fell off so hard, just a straight up choir christian band now and their best album isn’t on streaming
Nine doesn't hold a candle to 7
it holds a fisherman’s lantern
Bad business aside, but I wish they'd bring the fun back that 5 & 7 had.
This isn't bad or nothing, but it's been too many heal & pray albums in a row and high isn't getting me as high anymore.
Musically, it's no surprise; it's good Sault, which is already very good.
Not my favorite but solid enough
Trying to separate it from the drama
Lotta inflo chatter from ppl who aren’t hearing this
Found it pretty average and won't be back for another listen any time soon.