Sault’s ‘Acts Of Faith’ Is A Masterclass In Musicianship

Oh my God. This album is actually cinema, bro. Sault’s new album Acts of Faith, released on Christmas Day 2024, is another bold and dynamic entry in the British group’s ever-evolving discography. Known for their genre-blending approach, Sault continues to weave together elements of funk, soul, R&B, electronic, and gospel, while diving deeper into themes of spirituality, resilience, and human connection.

The album opens with a pulsating track that sets the tone: introspective yet infectious, the whimsical sounds breathe as if orchestrated by God. There’s a sense of calm in the music juxtaposed by, at times, urgent musicianship, as if the collective is exploring a new space but with an intense awareness of the present moment. Grounded would be the term I’d use. The first six tracks blend and mesh perfectly together, making for a complete thought that never grows too bored or broad in scope, laced with groove-heavy rhythms, lush instrumentation, and warm vocal performances from Cleo Sol.

What stands out most on Acts of Faith is its lyrical depth. Themes of faith, perseverance, and self-discovery are interwoven throughout, but not in the conventional sense, as tracks like Set Your Spirit Free and Heal feel like contemporary religion wrapped in something familiar. Sault’s work often deals with spirituality in abstract, elusive ways, making the listener think and feel rather than offering straightforward narratives. This album takes that idea even further, exploring personal and collective struggle in a world marked by uncertainty.

Sault’s Acts of Faith may be my favorite so far from the reclusive collective.