Street Sects - Things Will Be Better In Hell

I do not believe much of an introduction is needed for the Austin, Texas based industrial-punks Street Sects. The harsh reality spewing project has practically become a household name in the scene since their release of "End Position", with their follow up EP "Rat Jacket" only further bolstering Street Sects to new heights. In faith of their 2014 releases in the Gentrification series, Street Sects has released a brand new two-track single titled "Things Will Be Better In Hell" via Artoffact Records. The theme of this record is love and was released on February 9th in what I assume to be the spirit of Valentine's Day. Of course this is not the bright side of affection; this is the darker side full of doubts and insecurities, addiction and loss. 

The title track of the single comes first and speaks of the previously mentioned addiction. From the description of the single, I pulled this statement which summarizes the song the best:  "'Things Will Be Better In Hell' is a view from within the confines of a codependent relationship, one where addiction and love have become inseparable." A chilling ambient work with a light tapping fills the first half-minute of the song until we're treated to the thrashing samples Street Sects has become known for. The base of 'Things Will Be Better In Hell' was built off of live drum samples recorded by Alton Jenkins (Future Death) and digitally reworked by Street Sects for this very song. The vocals of 'Things Will Be Better In Hell' are that of remorse, regret, and fatigue - like arguing with oneself trying to prove everything is alright when all is miserable. 

'Bite Down Hard', the second single on the record, is an interesting beast. Initially intended to be a remix of Controlled Bleeding's 'Return of the Quiet' and set to be released on their remix album "Carving Songs", the song was built entirely of samples from Controlled Bleeding's song. However, Street Sects being Street Sects transformed the song into their own Hell - a simmering work of drums and doubts. A more contemplative song and less brutal than Street Sects' other works, the song seeks to make the listener ponder on a life long relationship. Again, pulling from the description of the single, this phrase carries it best: "If you manage to stay loyal to one person, one idea, one position until your final days...Do you look back upon your life with a sense of pride and accomplishment, or do you lament the missed opportunities, and wonder how things might have been?"

The fine folks over at Artoffact also provided a lovely physical package for the single. A sleeve that's durable houses the 7" vinyl and cover. The art work is gruesome but gorgeous all in one shot, keeping in line with the black and white aesthetic as per the Gentrification series. Inside that comes the 7" which either comes in red or clear variants. My favorite bit from Street Sects has always been the short stories they include with their works, and "Things Will Be Better In Hell" is no different. A short paragraph sums up the gist of "Things Will Be Better In Hell" on an insert with the credits below it, and on the flip-side you will find the lyrics to the album. 

Street Sects may not be pretty but their ruthless attitude, harsh reality driven, and thought provoking songs are the reason why I've been coming back to Street Sects over and over and over again. A new 7" split with portrayal of guilt will be released in March, so expect coverage of that one as well as soon as it hits me in the mail. 

Feb 24 2018