by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
There’s a lot of watered down hardcore out there but Stress Positions wouldn’t know a damn thing about that. Following the dissolution of the much beloved C.H.E.W., Jonathan Giralt (drums), Benyamin Rudolph (guitars), and Russell Harrison (bass) were joined by Stephanie Brooks (vocals), forming Stress Positions at a time when everything was seemingly collapsing. Following the dismal pandemic lockdowns, the Chicago quartet emerged fully formed and ready to destroy, their nuanced brand of hardcore taking no prisoners as they’ve become one of the city’s most exciting bands. Stress Positions play with unabashed tenacity and a furious contempt for inequality of all forms, but there’s a sense of dynamics to their playing, the band taking an artistic approach to hardcore’s brutalism. There’s nothing macho about Stress Positions. Over stampeding rhythms and megalithic riffs, Brooks is able to shout ruthless truths with a raw disdain… equal parts unhinged and brilliant.
Following last year’s incredible Walang Hiya EP (which was reissued earlier this month by Iron Lung Records), Stress Positions are set to release Harsh Reality, their full length debut on December 8th via Three One G Records (Deaf Club, Fuck Money, Squid Pisser). Recorded once again with Seth Engel (Floatie, Options, Shell of a Shell), there’s a primal sense of tension and carnage that lurks throughout the record, with songs that are unnervingly direct but not without their sense of psychedelic textures. Stress Positions contort in all directions, the structures generally pummeling but rarely molded into a singular shape, vividly sprawling into tightly wound knots. “How To Get Ahead,” the record’s lead single comes erupting from the speakers, the tidal wave of feedback and neck snapping fills trampling from the onslaught. It’s pure acid soaked propulsions, snarling and raw, as Stress Positions barrel through the noise, chopping heads with a commanding performance, built on blistering solos and a violent approach to Brooks’ vocals.
Good grief, it doesn’t get much better than Stress Positions.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
11/01 - Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village w/ Sumac
11/02 - St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club w/ Sumac