On their sixth record in half as many years, the covert operation that is SAULT add classical transcendence to their broad canon. ‘Air’ withdraws from trenchant societal critiques and calls upon a monumental choir and orchestra to convey their message of unshackled expression. At times here, SAULT traverse human mysteries; elsewhere, they broker communications from the cosmos. Typically bold, the collective dropped ‘Air’ hours after announcing its existence. While the first half of the record burns with the sweltering heat of an ambush, parts of the second feel comparatively lightweight, with unnecessary vocals and waning arrangements. These are small, sobering limitations on an otherwise numinous release. 

23/30

A favourite: ‘Air’ 

‘Air’ is out now via Forever Living Records.