Cult Leader Tactics, Paul Draper’s sophomore solo album, was released on 28 January 2022 through Kscope Records, following a five-year gap since his 2017 debut Spooky Action and continuing his evolution as a solo artist after Mansun’s 2003 split. Conceptualised during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the album satirizes the self-help industry and toxic success strategies, with lyrics delving into themes of ambition, deception, isolation, and relational sabotage, often through a lens of dark, ironic wit. Draper described it as a guide to “getting to the top of your chosen profession or navigating life and love by employing dirty tricks,” drawing from personal reflections on power dynamics and emotional manipulation. Tracks like the title song “Cult Leader Tactics” and “Omega Man” (a collaboration with Steven Wilson addressing lockdown-induced solitude) showcase warped psych-rock and electronic experimentation, while “Lyin’ Bout Who U Sleep With” features a massive 288-person virtual choir assembled from fan-submitted clips, adding choral grandeur to its themes of infidelity and betrayal.

The album was primarily recorded at Draper’s home studio where he served as producer, performing vocals, guitars, keyboards, piano, and synths. The rhythm section included drummer Jon Barnett and bassist Ben Stack, returning from previous projects, with Gamaliel “Gam” Rendle-Traynor of the band SWEAT contributing all string arrangements and engineering. Steven Wilson provided guitars and additional production on “Omega Man,” a remote collaboration born from shared experiences of pandemic isolation. Mixing was handled by Paul “PDub” Walton at The Loft, with engineering by Walton, Scott Knapper, and Rendle-Traynor; additional engineering came from Ben Sink. The album was mastered by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios. Artwork and design were created by Violet, with photography by Anthony Gerace.

Commercially, Cult Leader Tactics debuted and peaked at No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart, spending one week in the top 40, and reached No. 3 on the UK Independent Albums Chart, No. 7 on the UK Physical Albums Chart, and No. 2 on the UK Vinyl Albums Chart. It garnered strong critical acclaim, with Prog Magazine awarding it four stars for its “sharp, satirical edge and musical versatility,” Louder Sound praising its “Machiavellian brilliance and emotional depth,” and Classic Rock highlighting the “infectious hooks and progressive ambition” that build on Draper’s Mansun legacy. The album’s release coincided with Draper’s ongoing tours, including a 2023 run performing solo material alongside Mansun’s Six in full.