Street Sects / Curse - Street Sects / Curse

I was recently asked the question as to why I feel the need to review (almost) every Street Sects release that comes out. A) I have never been disappointed by their works since I first started following them and B) They've been releasing some really awesome splits lately that have me discovering new bands. Like their previous split with Portrayal of Guilt, this one has also come out on a 7" vinyl that's perfect for anyone's collection. Those who loathe collecting physical formats need not complain as the split is also available in digital formats as well. 

Though I can talk some heavy game about Street Sects, this is my first romp with Baltimore's curse. This project takes a plethora of genres from darkwave to doom to experimental to metal and (of course) industrial all into their repertoire. The two mates behind the band Logan Terkelsen and Jane Vincent have been performing together since 2011 as well, so they have some maturity under their belt. 

That being said their contribution to the split comes in the form of their five-minute piece 'Go Dark'. A heavily electronic song that culls out a nice slice of moody and spooky dark harmony, 'Go Dark' rummages through clean vocals to great, echoing shouts that never overpower the beat all too much. While some may argue that's a negative, I find the ferocity in equal parts with the music. When the rhythm is as good as it is on 'Go Dark', I never want to hear unfiltered screeches over it; it spoils the meat so to speak. Well mixed, well produced, and now I have another band to add to my listening queue. 

And then there is the almighty and hailed Street Sects. Two songs bless the seven inch split but both songs combined take up less than five-minutes altogether. 'Somebody Has to Win' and 'Anniversary' are two songs full of dedicated self-destructive and lesson learned lyrics. Sticking more or less to raw instruction as heard on their earlier pieces, Street Sects once again manages to both addict and terrify audiences with their more than blunt routine - and I would have it no other way. 

The physical product is another work of art. Rather than going for the standard vinyl slipcover, the cardboard housing is a two page folder. On each side of it is the artwork for Street Sects' half and Curse's half. On the inside are the lyrics to each song with logos sweeping as a watermark would on either side. And as with the previous 7", the record itself has artwork on the center ring depicting both the A and B sides. 

Another split. Another success. And another project I can follow with glee. I'd say this is another job well done. Go get it. 


Jun 01 2018