SAULT: ‘Black Is’ – A Timeless Protest Album (5 Year Anniversary)

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When SAULT dropped ‘Untitled (Black Is)’ on Juneteenth 2020, the world was in a crisis. Protests had taken over the streets across the world after George Floyd was killed. Rage and grief were pouring out. In the middle of all of that, while everyone was posting black squares, they released an album with a plain black cover. No announcement. No explanation. This was a powerful, honest release that didn’t just speak to the moment, it became the moment.

Five years later, ‘Untitled (Black Is)’ still feels like a necessary and important listen. It’s not just a message from the events of 2020. It’s a strong reminder of Black resistance, healing, and resilience.

SAULT has always moved like a mystery; no interviews and no official photos. This always stood out to me. The group said everything that the people wanted to say without needing to be seen. Their anonymity made it feel like the album was for everyone. Everyone who felt it, or simply understood. It wasn’t about ego, it was about community and truth. 

This body of work is one of the most genre-fluid projects I’ve ever listened to. It moves through soul, funk, gospel, dub, R&B, and Afrobeat, and it all just works. Even with that wide mix of genres, all the tracks hit the mark. The record never feels scattered or too much because all the songs carry an emotional weight. Although it tackles heavy topics like corruption and injustice, there’s also a sense of hope for a more equal society.

Cleo Sol Shines on ‘Wildfires’

‘Wildfires’ became one of the most listened-to tracks on the album, and it’s easy to understand why. Cleo Sol, the vocalist for the group, makes the track unforgettable. Her soft, soulful vocals paired with raw, honest storytelling make this release hit deep. She speaks directly to the police from the people who are tired of watching lives taken by systemic racism. The sound has a quiet, haunting feel, alongside lyrics like,
“The bloodshed on your hands / Another man. / Take off your badge / We all know it was murder,” delivered over a gentle groove. It’s a protest song, yes. But the pain in every line feels like the whole world is grieving, not shouting.

The Power of ‘Stop Dem’ and ‘Black Is‘

Other tracks like ‘Stop Dem’ are more direct. The heavy bass, the drums, and the layered chants hit hard. The echoed “Stop Dem” feels like a release of built-up frustration with systems that were supposed to protect us. Interludes like ‘Black Is’ slow things down and bring you into a space of reflection. The introspective spoken word, over soft guitar reminds us that protest isn’t just about fighting back, it’s also about surviving.

Unity and Pride in ‘Bow’

SAULT does way more than just make good music, they teach, and they remind. They educate listeners with songs about Black empowerment, and you really feel that pride and sense of unity in ‘Bow’, a track that brings together the connection between people across the African diaspora. The track features Michael Kiwanuka, as he lists different countries with pride, repeating “We got rights.”. It’s an affirmation for Black people everywhere. An emotion that feels both personal to him and universal at the same time.

The Heartfelt Sound of ‘Miracles’

One of my favourite tracks on the album is ‘Miracles‘. It’s one of those songs that feels like it’s reaching for something bigger. It has a modern twist on an ’80s soul ballad, with a smooth, bassy instrumental, layered strings, and soft drum kicks. The slow tempo and gentle swing, behind Cleo’s delicate vocals gives me chills every time. There is a soulful, heartfelt delivery, highlighting themes of love and longing, but there’s a quiet strength in them too. Even though she’s looking for a miracle, “Look around, baby, you’re the miracle.” there’s still a feeling of hope that she’ll soon realise her worth.

Raw Protest in ‘Don’t Shoot Guns Down’

‘Don’t Shoot Guns Down’ is a short, but powerful number with a rhythmically heavy sound that delivers a real, firm, protest message. The children’s voices, the repeating lines, and the stripped-back beat create this urgent yet meditative feel. There is a minimalist funk production that is purposely unpolished to keep the message at the centre. Inspired by Afrobeats and soulful traditions, SAULT creates a powerful protest message that lingers even when it ends. It makes you think about everything deeper.

Finding Strength in ‘Pray up Stay Up’

There’s a lot of spirituality running through this project, and you really feel it in the final track, ‘Pray up Stay Up’. The message is simple but that’s what makes it powerful. Those four words become a mantra,  like a reminder to keep going, stay strong, and hold on no matter what life throws your way. It speaks directly to survival, especially as a Black person in a world that doesn’t always feel safe.

This LP never lost its meaning. It still feels as relevant today as it did in 2020. Police violence, inequality, and grief are still here but so are hope, healing, and community. The project doesn’t get as much attention as it should, possibly because they’ve chosen to stay anonymous. But that choice, to stay out of the spotlight and just focus on the music is part of what makes them such a powerful group. In every track on the album, the group let the message speak for itself. Even to this day. 

Additionally, this project is a space to feel your emotions and be comforted at the same time. It’s a reminder that those who grieved will never forget history and never stop hoping for true freedom. With this being the fifth anniversary, it deserves to be celebrated, revisited, and taken in all over again. This record will always speak volumes and show courage in SAULT’s artistry. Fearless and educated enough to use their music to spread a thoughtful message. 

Rating: 8/10

SAULT is on Instagram. Listen to the album below or buy it here. You can also read more anniversary pieces here.

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