Following up on their 2018 debut album ‘The Fury of Almost’, Detroit-based post-hardcore outfit Marcus: the Apex Predator! returns today with a brand new EP, a slice of fierce guitar-powered eclecticism, both hard-hitting and gentle, slow-paced yet intense. ‘Newborn Fossil’ is exactly that: posing its cornerstone in hardcore aural energy and post-punk flavourings, the record also carries a surprising amount of evocative melodies and meaningful lyricism, a sign that the American group is not just about striking noises, but also about building a relatable atmosphere that hits listeners right into their souls.
Packing five impressive episodes, ‘Newborn Fossil’ opens with the title track, serving gritty distortions from the get-go. Founder Kevin Watts’ vocals are earthy, raw, and incredibly charming, commanding the listeners’ attention from the first lyrics. Again, here we find one of the group’s more important qualities, described by them as “existing in the in-between”. As in, they do rock out, but with class and elegance.
Pieces such as ‘Lo-fi’ are particularly measured, yet still euphoric and melancholic, perhaps giving a certain Deftones energy. One thing that we should definitely praise is Marcus: the Apex Predator!’s ability to really dial their sound in. Guitars and drums are consistent throughout the EP, making it a very compelling slice of wholesome, authentic artistry. Co-founder Nick Marko and recent addition Sean Bondareff complete the talented line-up.
Recommended! Discover ‘Newborn Fossil’ on Spotify:
