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FOREVER LIVING ORIGINALS
Cleo Sol has returned with her new project titled ‘Mother’, produced by her longtime collaborator Inflo. The 12-track offering, which includes a few hidden tracks, was inspired by Sol’s journey into motherhood.
‘Mother’ is a beautiful soulful album that bares all, a paired down softness to her music accentuates her stunning vocals. It offers a healing energy, full of emotion and elevated optimism, it’s hit just the right spot and what was lacking from this year.
‘Don’t Let Me Fall’, the opening track sets the tone for the album, tender and harrowing in the most beautiful sense. Her vocals are really highlighted by the stripped back neo-soul background, letting her voice shine throughout. The love, optimism and wisdom weaved within this song is truly stunning. ‘Promises’ holds the same powerful energy, a subtle catchy chorus drenched in good vibes, proving difficult not to sing along to.
Another gem, ‘Sunshine’ is a breath of fresh air, a more funk-inspired melody with uplifting compelling lyrics, it embodies what Cleo Sol does best, meaningful messages and the freshest soul around for miles. Love love love this.
‘Mother’ is a beautiful soulful album that bares all, a paired down softness to her music accentuates her stunning vocals. It offers a healing energy, full of emotion and elevated optimism, it’s hit just the right spot and what was lacking from this year.
‘Don’t Let Me Fall’, the opening track sets the tone for the album, tender and harrowing in the most beautiful sense. Her vocals are really highlighted by the stripped back neo-soul background, letting her voice shine throughout. The love, optimism and wisdom weaved within this song is truly stunning. ‘Promises’ holds the same powerful energy, a subtle catchy chorus drenched in good vibes, proving difficult not to sing along to.
Another gem, ‘Sunshine’ is a breath of fresh air, a more funk-inspired melody with uplifting compelling lyrics, it embodies what Cleo Sol does best, meaningful messages and the freshest soul around for miles. Love love love this.
STAFF COMMENTS
Barry says: Cleo Sol's last LP was a beautiful outing and showed her as one of the finest voices in modern soul. This one sees her taking things down a notch, losing the more effervescent groove in favour of a swooning, restful suite of slow melodies and loungy swing. A stunning follow-up and a perfect display of the other side of her considerable talents.TRACK LISTING
Don’t Let Me Fall
Promises
Heart Full Of Love
Build Me Up
Sunshine
We Need You
Don’t Let It Go To Your Head
23
Music
One Day
Know That You Are Loved
Spirit
Heaven is the follow up to Cleo Sol's second album, Mother, which was released in 2021. In celebration of its two-year anniversary, she tweeted: "Two years since we released mother into the world, thank you for embracing me, and seeing me, writing my truth is sometimes difficult, but it’s freeing, and having you support me pushes me to be brave."
Thought to be the primary vocalist for the mysterious collective SAULT, Cleo Sol primarily collaborates with producer Inflo. Earlier this year, during London Fashion Week, she joined Alicia Keys as a special guests alongside Little Simz, and performed Simz's track, "Woman".
Thought to be the primary vocalist for the mysterious collective SAULT, Cleo Sol primarily collaborates with producer Inflo. Earlier this year, during London Fashion Week, she joined Alicia Keys as a special guests alongside Little Simz, and performed Simz's track, "Woman".
TRACK LISTING
1. Self
2. Airplane
3. Go Baby
4. Heaven
5. Old Friends
6. Miss Romantic
7. Golden Child (Jealous)
8. Nothing On Me
9. Love Will Lead You
The fourth Cleo Sol masterpiece and the second album of 2024. Gold is another spiritual and soulful masterclass full of love, courage and optimism.
TRACK LISTING
1. There Will Be No Crying
2. Reason
3. Things Will Get Better
4. Only Love
5. Please Don’t End It All
6. Lost Angel
7. Desire
8. In Your Own Home
9. Life Will Be
10. Gold
Without pausing for breath and hot on the heels of their exhilarating debut album "5", the elusive and suarve, Sault return with their sophomore full length titled "7". Their signature hybrid of funk, dance, post-punk, soul and disco is front and centre once again, confidently delivered with their typical fearless nature. If "5" had you out of your seat, "7" will have you dancing in the streets with its celebratory and flamboyant nature. Spread the word, Sault are back at it!
TRACK LISTING
Over 2:25
No Bullshit 3:47
Feel So Good 3:07
Living In America 3:21
Tip Toe 3:09
Smile And Go 2:44
Threats 4:20
Red Lights 3:03
Friends 3:57
Waterfalls 4:00
The mysteriously intriguing group, no; veiled cult-adored collective Sault return with album number six. Although we know now that the band are headed by Dean Cover aka Inflo, and count Cleo Sol, Michael Kiwanuka and Little Simz as collaborators / infrequent members; there's still very little info on the rest of the band.
We don't care though, and delving into "Air" we find the longer, double LP format as captivating as ever. Beginning with choral and orchestral interludes, it's a majestic introduction for a group that have already captured our hearts across the previous five excursions and are unhurried to deliver their latest message. Said pieces unravel into a sumptuous decadence, occupying much of side A before the first utterances of vocal slowly draw in. It's a luxurious and relaxed opening side which hints at the confidence possessed by all involved. There's no need to just jump right in with a opening radio single - we're of course gonna listen from start to finish!
But the mystery does, indeed, continue. The orchestral instrumental and choral work continues throughout - "Air" is a divine piece of enchanted garden ambience and ambrosial relaxation. There's no lyrics, no guitars, no drums. It's as if Inflo told the rest of the band to have a break whilst he enlists a full orchestra for the project.
I'm not complaining, and talk about keeping us on our toes. It's a heavenly piece of music, make no mistake; but if you were expecting them to continue their political musings, heart-worn love songs and incendiary punk-funk fun; then you'll have to resort to previous albums I'm afraid. Instead, we get strings aplenty (including some phenomenal harp work), female vocal choir and smatterings of romantic brass.
Will the public dig it? I hope so. It's adventurous, almost to the point of giving-no-fucks. But thankfully, as I keep reiterating; the music (I'd call it more of a score actually), is nothing short of breathtaking. Is Inflo looking to switch career and become a film score composer? Maybe he has been all along... Like I say, the mystery continues...
We don't care though, and delving into "Air" we find the longer, double LP format as captivating as ever. Beginning with choral and orchestral interludes, it's a majestic introduction for a group that have already captured our hearts across the previous five excursions and are unhurried to deliver their latest message. Said pieces unravel into a sumptuous decadence, occupying much of side A before the first utterances of vocal slowly draw in. It's a luxurious and relaxed opening side which hints at the confidence possessed by all involved. There's no need to just jump right in with a opening radio single - we're of course gonna listen from start to finish!
But the mystery does, indeed, continue. The orchestral instrumental and choral work continues throughout - "Air" is a divine piece of enchanted garden ambience and ambrosial relaxation. There's no lyrics, no guitars, no drums. It's as if Inflo told the rest of the band to have a break whilst he enlists a full orchestra for the project.
I'm not complaining, and talk about keeping us on our toes. It's a heavenly piece of music, make no mistake; but if you were expecting them to continue their political musings, heart-worn love songs and incendiary punk-funk fun; then you'll have to resort to previous albums I'm afraid. Instead, we get strings aplenty (including some phenomenal harp work), female vocal choir and smatterings of romantic brass.
Will the public dig it? I hope so. It's adventurous, almost to the point of giving-no-fucks. But thankfully, as I keep reiterating; the music (I'd call it more of a score actually), is nothing short of breathtaking. Is Inflo looking to switch career and become a film score composer? Maybe he has been all along... Like I say, the mystery continues...
TRACK LISTING
1 - Reality
2 - Air
3 - Heart
4 - Solar
5 - Time Is Precious
6 - June 55
7 - Luos Higher
The incredibly elusive band Sault release their debut album "5" on vinyl via independent record label Forever Living Originals. The record fuses African, soul, funk and post-punk vibes amongst other flavours. With support from Radio 6's Lauren Laverne and USA's KWRC and KEXP, the band are set to go from strength to strength becoming one of the most prolific bands of 2020 with a barrage of material up their sleeves.
Instantly possessing that charisma and flair that make many an album CLASSIC; it's musically accomplished, inventive and playful all at once, with it's multitude influences replicated and morphed with a sincere authenticity. If you're looking for something new, arresting and, moreover FUN to grab you by the lapel's and shake you into a fervent dance this Winter - then look no further folks!
Instantly possessing that charisma and flair that make many an album CLASSIC; it's musically accomplished, inventive and playful all at once, with it's multitude influences replicated and morphed with a sincere authenticity. If you're looking for something new, arresting and, moreover FUN to grab you by the lapel's and shake you into a fervent dance this Winter - then look no further folks!
TRACK LISTING
A1 Up All Night
A2 Don’t Waste My Time
A3 Foot On Necks
A4 Why Why Why Why Why
A5 Pink Sands
A6 Let Me Go
B1 Masterpiece
B2 A Little Bit Of Sault
B3 Something’s In The Air
B4 Think About It
B5 Wild Hundreds, Pt. 5
B6 We Are The Sun
B7 Wild Hundreds, Pt. 55
B8 B.A.B.E.
Sault make a stunning return after placing pretty much the whole world into a frenzy following their two mysterious and incredible debut LPs “5” and “7”.
Still shrouded in secrecy as to its members, what we do know now is that it’s produced by Inflo, the London producer who has so far worked with Michael Kiwanuka and Little Simz.
“UNTITLED (Black Is)” arrives as an expansive double LP, affording longer track lengths and a greater diversity of tracks than their quick-fired debuts. Characterized by an honest and soulful production aesthetic throughout, the previous melting pot of gospel, Afro and funk soul influences are reassuringly present; while lyrically the album contains a much more serious and urgent message about the current state of modern society. Touching on systemic racism, injustice and police brutality, whilst celebrating triumphantly in its own self, it’s a hard hitting and at times stark revelation set to a backdrop of effortlessly suave instrumentals that pour off the record with an abundance of style and confidence.
There’s a reason Sault are so eagerly championed in the hypesphere right now: they’re unashamedly proud, unreserved and informed. Their musical message and sentiment is real; and by so far escaping any proper identification this has only added to the poignancy and impact that “UNTITLED (Black Is)” is likely to have over the next few months…
Still shrouded in secrecy as to its members, what we do know now is that it’s produced by Inflo, the London producer who has so far worked with Michael Kiwanuka and Little Simz.
“UNTITLED (Black Is)” arrives as an expansive double LP, affording longer track lengths and a greater diversity of tracks than their quick-fired debuts. Characterized by an honest and soulful production aesthetic throughout, the previous melting pot of gospel, Afro and funk soul influences are reassuringly present; while lyrically the album contains a much more serious and urgent message about the current state of modern society. Touching on systemic racism, injustice and police brutality, whilst celebrating triumphantly in its own self, it’s a hard hitting and at times stark revelation set to a backdrop of effortlessly suave instrumentals that pour off the record with an abundance of style and confidence.
There’s a reason Sault are so eagerly championed in the hypesphere right now: they’re unashamedly proud, unreserved and informed. Their musical message and sentiment is real; and by so far escaping any proper identification this has only added to the poignancy and impact that “UNTITLED (Black Is)” is likely to have over the next few months…
TRACK LISTING
1. Out The Lies 02:01
2. Stop Dem 03:38
3. Hard Life 04:33
4. Don't Shoot Guns Down 01:52
5. Wildfires 03:26
6. X 01:24
7. Sorry Ain't Enough 04:59
8. Black Is 01:52
9. Bow Feat Michael Kiwanuka 04:05
10. This Generation Feat Laurette Josiah 00:46
11. Why We Cry Why We Die 02:44
12. Black 03:53
13. US 01:05
14. Eternal Life 03:59
15. Only Synth In Church 00:56
16. Monsters 03:27
17. June Child 00:58
18. Miracles 04:17
19. Hold Me 02:45
20. Pray Up Stay Up 03:45
Over the last two years, Sault’s music has arrived out of the blue: no interviews, no photos, no videos, no live appearances, no Wikipedia entry, a perfunctory and entirely non-interactive social media presence. Physical copies of their three previous albums have credited Inflo as producer – otherwise best-known as the producer of Little Simz’ Grey Area and co-writer of Michael Kiwanuka’s Black Man in a White World, each of which won him an Ivor Novello award. Kiwanuka got a guest artist credit on their last album, Untitled (Black Is), released in June. So did Laurette Josiah, the founder of a north London children’s charity, who it turns out is Leona Lewis’s aunt. The only other available fact is that proceeds from the album “will be going to charitable funds”. Speculation about the collective’s other members has neither been confirmed nor denied, nor has anyone claimed responsibility for music that’s thus far been rapturously received on both sides of the Atlantic.
TRACK LISTING
Strong 06:19
Fearless 04:09
Rise 01:01
I Just Want To Dance 04:21
Street Fighter 03:09
Son Shine 03:16
Rise Intently 00:50
The Beginning & The End 03:38
Free 05:05
You Know It Ain't 03:39
Uncomfortable 03:16
No Black Violins In London 01:28
Scary Times 03:39
The Black & Gold 03:04
Little Boy 03:53
2021’s “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert” catapulted Simz into the big leagues, crashing into the top 5 of the albums charts, collecting Mercury Music Prize, Mobo, Ivor Novello and Brit Award wins and earning her the biggest live audiences yet in the UK and Europe.
“NO THANK YOU” is yet another delicious left field turn for 29-year old Simbiatu Ajikawo. Sleek, succinct and utterly propulsive, it’s Simz’ defiantly punk rock, two fingered salute to conformity and fame, and all the expectations and restrictions that come with. Recorded with her regular collaborator Inflo, this is Simz at her most free, daring and spontaneous. In her own words: 'emotion is energy in motion. honour your truth and feelings. eradicate fear. boundaries are important.’
“NO THANK YOU” is yet another delicious left field turn for 29-year old Simbiatu Ajikawo. Sleek, succinct and utterly propulsive, it’s Simz’ defiantly punk rock, two fingered salute to conformity and fame, and all the expectations and restrictions that come with. Recorded with her regular collaborator Inflo, this is Simz at her most free, daring and spontaneous. In her own words: 'emotion is energy in motion. honour your truth and feelings. eradicate fear. boundaries are important.’
STAFF COMMENTS
Millie says: Returning strong with big orchestral interludes and quickfire rap from Little Simz in her new album ‘NO THANK YOU’. The album alludes to challenges faced releasing music with a tone of self-reflection but this album feels stronger than ever, with her talent shining through each track on the album despite the obstacles and healing that took place. “Gorilla” was a track that really grew on me, it reminds me of her incredible stage presence during her live performances; of being at ease like she’s always been destined to be there. It feels layered with polished production with that large Simz energy and intangible confidence. Another standout for me has to be “Heart on Fire”, you can feel the atmosphere building like a rising in your chest, it’s evident that this soulful music comes from the heart. Paired alongside the backing choir vocals, it only accentuates her unmissable dynamic sound that Simbi always nails.TRACK LISTING
1. Angel
2. Gorilla
3. Silhouette
4. No Merci
5. X
6. Heart On Fire
7. Broken
8. Sideways
9. Who Even Cares
10. Control