This six song release on Stillborn Records offers an interesting first impression on an up-and-coming hardcore band that seems to still be trying to find their sound. For the most part, STALEMATE tread in a post-hardcore vein, taking a few licks from QUICKSAND, vocals not too unlike BOTCH, but neither influences sound as good. The recording on here is pretty poor, perhaps the worst I’ve heard for a release on Stillborn, and while it’s not really fair to rip a band for probably not having the budget to record with anyone of better quality, I think the bad recording really dulls down the quality and aggressive tendencies of this band. But on to better things: the lyrical content is pretty strong, taking on a deeply personal approach to subject matter, and although the vocals sound more screechy than solid, it’s not difficult to imagine the vocals going to great pains to get the proper feelings out. Anyway, Stillborn has put out a lot of great hardcore lately including THE TAKEOVER and FULL BLOWN CHAOS, so I recommend checking them out instead.

Stillborn

www.stillbornrecords.com