Soul preorders

Review: Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer and Blake Rhein return with Flowers, their fourth album, revisiting the same raw, budding energy that first plotted them together in a Bloomington basement. Embracing a back-to-basics approach, and echoing the collaborative spirit of their 2016 debut, this self-produced LP took shape at Rhein's Chicago home studio, with many tunes edified from one-take demos, capturing a no-frills but beautifully petaled synergy between the trio. Flowers' 11 phases lean into a refined, yet playful blend of soul-disco, exuding a smooth, homegrown, sexologic vibe, like an aphrodisiac planter hung from the dashboard as we embark on a late night drive. "All of these songs touch on such mature topics, things that we never got to sing about before," says Jones. A right blossoming indeed.

Review: In fitting fashion for Sault, we've another surprise LP on our hands from the Inflo and Cleo Sol led collective. Sault's revolving door format is heard again in full saloon swing, doubling down on their knockout combo of elusiveness (every track title is an initialism) and creative spontaneity. Coming after a prolific but unconventional run - 2022 offered five albums made freely available for only five days - 10 indicates a return to a tighter focus, not abandoning the phonic plexuses and political undertones that have defined their work so far. Best on the record is the nymphlike, god fearing gospel jam 'L.U.' and the sculpted G-P-funk of 'K.T.Y.W.S.'

Review: Brit soul legend Omar's new work finds him in full command of his craft, gracefully vaulting through decades of soul, funk and jazz with a sound that feels both grounded in history and refreshingly modern. His collaborations - from Paul Weller's understated elegance to Giggs' streetwise energy - highlight his remarkable versatility, yet it's his own magnetic voice that pulls everything together. The arrangements are lush, rich with organic instrumentation and tinged with Caribbean warmth, offering a sound palette that's as riveting as it is all-consuming. Tracks like 'There's Much Love In The World' reflect the timeless optimism that runs through Omar's music, celebrating unity while reminding us of the power of soulful connection. Despite the star-studded line-up of guests, this release is unmistakably Omar's. His voice - distinctive and effortlessly smooth - remains at the heart of each song, whether he's trading verses with Raheem DeVaughn or harmonising with Ledisi's rich tones. The musical textures on display are just as varied, blending organic rhythms with electronic beats that never overwhelm the track's emotional core. Over time, Omar's musical approach has only become more layered and expansive, yet his unmistakable sound remains intactianchored in the originality that made him a key figure in modern soul and funk.