Boss [Digipak] (CD - 2007)

Magik Markers: Peter D. Nolan (vocals, guitar, piano, drums, electronics, unknown instrument); Elisa R. Ambrogio (vocals, guitar); Lee "Bruise" Ranaldo (guitar, glockenspiel).

The noise-rock combo Magik Markers offered their most accessible recording to date with BOSS, released on Ecstatic Peace in 2007. The duo of Elisa Ambrogio and Pete Nolan give more than a few nods to Sonic Youth, but they still cut a distinct swath here that stands enough apart from their benefactors to be of note. For example, "Bad Dreams" finds Ambrogio in startlingly lovely voice, singing over soothing electronics and a gentle finger-picked guitar part. And while Magik Markers still attack with the squalls of improvised skronk ("Pat Garrett," "Circle") that brought them fame in underground circles, tracks such as "Last of the Lemach Line" and "Body Rot" show what happens when their arty exuberance is harnessed into identifiable song structures--the experience becomes one of listening as that energy breaks free from its confines. minimize