Out on the Faultline

Released in 2012, Out on the Faultline represents a pivotal moment for The New Mastersounds, as it saw the band further integrating vocal tracks into their traditionally instrumental catalog. Recorded in San Francisco, the album's title and sonic character are heavily influenced by the California landscape, moving away from the grey-skied grit of their Leeds origins toward a brighter, more expansive sound. Guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts continues his dedication to vintage signal paths, utilizing ribbon mics and tape saturation to achieve a period-correct 1970s aesthetic. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the album's successful balance between their established deep-funk roots and a more polished soul-jazz direction. The inclusion of tracks like 'Summercamp' showcases a willingness to stretch into longer, more improvisational structures, while shorter cuts like 'You Mess Me Up' maintain the band's reputation for lean, punchy songwriting. It remains a standout in their discography for its warmth and stylistic breadth.