The Pitch: The debut EP from New Zealand-based hardcore/noise band Stress. FFO: Converge, Telos, Eglise
What I Like: After the ominous, Converge-worthy build of "Decay," Stress get right down to business. While the band hails from a region many thousands of miles away, their style seems very much aligned with the Denmark sound. It's that dark, even blackened aesthetic you normally find in bands like Hexis and Telos. The wailing guitar riffs carry a strong sense of lingering evil in addition to the usual Ballou-esque, hardcore energy. And make no mistake, the band has plenty of the latter. Between the foot-tapping D-beats and throat-shredding vocals, you'll have trouble remaining seated for this one.
Critiques: The production could use a step up. I'm all for DIY and rough around the edges, but there's a certain flatness here that robs the music of its full throat-slitting potential.
The Verdict: In my field, I frequently remind others that "a meaningful life is a stressful life." At roughly 11 minutes, Misery Fatigue is a delightful first helping of what Stress has to offer you. With some added support in the production department (speaking of Balou...) I see this band doing very well for themselves.
Flight's Fav's: Judas, Strangelove
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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