‘The trail of change keeps moving, To the same tune of loss, And nothing’s tamed that emerald demon, That keeps burning up our lives’ (Working Daydream)

What is the key ingredient to truly great post-punk?  Yes, of course, the melodies must be saturated in melancholy, and the atmosphere bleakly foreboding.  But the often-forgotten element is propulsion, a fluidity to stir the feet as much as the melodies stir the heart.  And these are qualities that Sectarian Bloom have in spades.

They hail from the Bay Area and Strategies Of Tension is the band’s debut full-length, pulling together remastered versions of their two cassette-only EPs – the first side is 2020’s self-titled release and the flip side being 2022’s New Spring.  Their sound is a well-crafted display in layering and pacing dynamics.  The rhythm section lays a foundation of punchily dark basslines and notably supple drumming, the latter displaying some delightful flourishes, especially on Our Time.  Then the richly resonant lead vocals of bassist Will, stark yet nuanced, complete the band’s sonic base.

The more vividly freestyle elements follow.  Firstly, the backing vocals of drummer Susi (except on Static when she leads), which provide an infectiously melodic counterpoint, sometimes layered, sometimes brightly dancing in support, competing on Because We Like It. Finally, there is Sam’s tensely serpentine guitar work, which at times is so crystalline that you suspect it is close to shattering, such as on Blue Light.

The albums lyrics have a certain poetic quality as they explore themes of social struggle, state oppression, and gentrification that oscillate between fear that the moment for change may have passed, and a vital commitment to ensuring that does not prove to the case.