Description
AIR is the sixth studio album by Englishcontemporary R&BgroupSault. In a dramatic departure from their previous output, the UK collective taps into the spirituality of choral music and contemporary classical in an uplifting, celebratory, utterly gorgeous album. The enigmatic UK collective which, despite their aversion to the media, is agreed by most to be helmed by producer and songwriterInflo, whose real name is Dean Josiah Coverhas run through a slew of musical styles and themes in service of that goal.
This LP tilts the balance back toward the positive. In a drastic turn from their previous output, SAULT have cast aside almost all of their identifiable hallmarks; gone are the funky rhythms, driving disco beats, and soulful crooning. As opener Reality begins with a crescendo of strings, horns, and a classical choir.Sonically, theres little anchoringAIRto the groups previous output, but its themes still zero in on a critical element of the Black experience: the need for self-care and celebration of individual blackness.
Though Cover doesnt give interviews, his short public statement in response to being namedProducer of the Yearby the BRIT Awardsthe first time a Black artist has won the prestigious prize since its 1977 inceptionis revealing. All the Black producers before me, Im in awe and have studied you, he said. I am you. For him, digging deep into the history of great Black musicians wasnt only an exercise in mastering a diverse range of genres; he wanted to understand their hardships, their triumphs, and how it informed the art they made. Music about the Black experience often feels timely, and it rarely matters if it was made for1971or 2022. As long as the cycle of hurt, the necessity for action, and the need for healing remains unbroken, music made for every point on the spectrum retains something that could be useful to another person down the line. WithAIR, Cover intends to pass on an important message: love being Black, but dont forget to love yourself.
Label: Forever Living Originals
Format: 2x Vinyl, 12″, 45rpm, Album
Country: Worldwide
Released: Jul 2022
Genre: Classical
Style: Choral
File under: Modern Classical
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