Balf Quarry

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:23:00 +0000

Magik Markers will never have the fame to reflect their talent, which is a shame and says more about the music industry than their ability to create fine music. One could classify Magik Markers’ sound as noise rock, but only a few tracks on their latest album Balf Quarry would live up to that label.

Influence from Sonic Youth and other No Wave bands are apparent on tracks like “Risperdal” and “State Numbers,” where it sounds more like spoken word poetry over a cornucopia of sounds created both instrumentally and experimentally. Other tracks, however, show that the duo doesn’t limit themselves to such abstractness, but rather have the ability to create complex melodies, some more apparent than others. “Don’t Talk in Your Sleep,” for example, pairs hearty blues chords, drum machine beats and a slight echoing funk vamp all working together to accompany strong female vocals delivering a warning to all potential cheaters out there. Later in the album, as Elisa Ambrogio’s voice softens from the beginning of the album’s more raucous tracks, a downright twang can be detected in the guitars in “Ohio R./Live/Hoosier.”

The album is nicely capped off with “Shells,” a ten minute strain of dark yet harmoniously hymnal-like sounds eventually evolving into lyric support after the four minute mark. What follows is a true testament to Ambrogio’s vocal ability perfectly paired with Pete Nolan’s mastery of making experimental sounds pleasing to the ear. The track is an adequate representation of the album because of its sonar spectrum. Many songs lack traditional structure, making listening more of a challenge, but one thing Magik Markers have is the power to keep you engaged.

This isn’t an album to play while you’re cleaning the bathroom. You’d be ruining a perfect opportunity to give the album the attention it demands. Rather, put it on, sit down, and let yourself be guided. Balf Quarry is a fully complete album demonstrating that sometimes good music is hard to listen to, but the reward at the end is twice as much. It turns listening from passive to active in one tickle of the distortion key.

Written by: Sara Custer, October 7th 2009

Rocket Science For Dummies

admin — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:55:00 +0000

By Astronauts of Antiquity

RevCon Records

It does not take a rocket scientist to realize that Rocket Science for Dummies is a great album. Astronauts of Antiquity’s singer, India, and guitarist, B. Rhyan, are a musical match made in heaven.

They travel further, taking listeners on a well-designed trip of cosmic rhythms. Astronauts of Antiquity’s influence list is long, but they have managed to make an individual, well-crafted sound that, although resembling many, is like none. This wife and husband duet describes their music as “urban, electro, organica,” and though I fail to understand what this really means, it somehow feels like a good explanation. India’s voice is out of this world and gives these thirteen songs a jazzy effect, while Rhyan’s noticeable expertise on the sitar, guitar, and sarod contribute a world music sensibility.

It took the Nyack, NY-based twosome three years after the release of their first work, AoA 1, to come out with Rocket Science for Dummies. In this second record, it’s easy to tell that much pensive thought went into this satisfying album, which lifts off with the first song. “Everywhere” is a very danceable tune that makes me want to defy gravity. The same goes for “Sweet-tooth” and the title track.

If you’re not already of the opinion that “hare, hare, Krishna, hare” is a sexy chorus, Astronauts of Antiquity will definitely convert you, especially after you hear the “Love is a Mantra” remix. They are accompanied by a DJ and several guest musicians who play various forms of air instruments. Cee Knowledge (of Digable Planets fame) contributes on the groovy “Soup Du Jour.”

If these astronauts are planning an intergalactic tour anytime soon I would put on my jet pack and lovingly follow them anywhere.

Written by: Laura Koffler, March 22nd 2009

fusion

Balf Quarry

Rocket Science For Dummies