The second record from experimental noise-rock band Magik Markers isn’t as noisy or experimental as one would expect. The record opens with Sonic Youth-esque guitar feedback, which is to be expected from a band with such close ties to Sonic Youth. Not only are The Sonic Youth a big influence on Magik Markers, they are signed to Ecstatic Peace which is run by Thurston Moore. This album was also produced by Lee Ranaldo, so there is a very clear connection between the two bands. And hey, if Sonic Youth likes this band, there must be something here. The singer, Elisa Ambrogio, delivers a delightfully deadpan sneer on “Body Rot,” the second track of the record. There are times when it feels as if the band is going to come apart with a big bang, but it’s always kept in check. However, there are softer, more tender, moments on the record, “Last of the Lemach Line” being a prominent one. The following track, “Empty Bottles,” is also soft. Ambrogio’s voice is actually very complimentary to the sound, and the piano on the track is just great. The album as a whole offers a pretty solid mix of the expected noise and tender, pretty songs. Boss is only Magik Markers second release, so be on the lookout for future releases. It might just take one more dose of magic for this band to make their mark.
