Sault - AIR

UK import

Air deepens producer Inflo's already fruitful affiliations with orchestral arranger Rosie Danvers and vocal director/arranger Olivia Williams. Danvers' strings are heard on earlier Sault LPs and a good number ofInflo's sessions with the likes of Michael Kiwanuka, Little Simz, Jungle, and Sault's Cleo Sol. Williams' association with Inflo is best exemplified by another Air precursor, "Never Make Promises," off Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. These seven orchestral and choral compositions represent a narrowing of Inflo's focus, not a radical change in direction, and somehow turn up the suspense with a simultaneous increase in restorative power.

The familiar comforting voice of Inflo partner Cleo Sol is heard in the title song and "Time Is Precious." They're grand, sweeping pieces (with more to offer melodically than lyrically) that evoke the work of Charles Stepney and Richard Evans. Wider-scoped, emotionally beaming attributes of other pieces bring to mind fantasy film scores -- peaking with "Solar," a 13-minute centerpiece with halting brass and woodwinds -- and spiritual jazz sessions illuminated by choirs. "Luos Higher," the least elaborate track, is one of the most dazzling, a finale of strummed and plucked effervescence with a mix of voices similar to that of 5 highlight "Don't Waste My Time."

Andy Kellman