marker - M

marker

​M
self-released; 2015

3.7 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Tony pascucci and Nigel Organ are the two artists behind marker. From the looks of their bandcamp page they have been making music since we reviewed Duality last year. There lastest release simply entitled M is an engaging ten song instrumental album. The music combines a myriad of genres such as rock, post-rock and ambient to name a few.

Their music is often dark, ethereal and also quite melodic. Most of the songs don’t really feel like their is a focal center that drives the song. Your ears bounce from one instrument to another as they grab your attention only to let it go. The songs work well if you want to actively listen with a set of headphones to explore the tone and textures but also has enough energy that it would be fine to play at a party or get together.

“Start all over again” is the opener which initially sounds like post-punk 101 between the guitar, bass and drums. A little after the minute mark the reverb of the guitars makes the song sound just as close to post-rock as it does to post-punk. The song is dynamic and contains a good amount of crescendos.

“Dirty Beaks” is hard to pinpoint which is a good thing is you ask me. The distorted bass drives the song along with drums while the synths and melodic guitars provide some of the beauty to the song. There are some impressive peaks towards the end of the song which you won’t want to miss.

Up next is “Hephaestus” which was a highlight. The song ascends and has danceable vibe. On top of that there is a good amount of white noise and another killer bass line. “A little dark place to hide my disgrace” has forward momentum and reminded me of a Burial at times while “Fuori il cinema e sulla strada” is a contemplative, nostalgic song that is emotionally resonant.

They save the best for last with “Peel Away”. I thought the music would have worked well in a dystopian based film like Mad Max. The music is thematic but dark. A great closer anyway you look at it.

M isn’t perfect but the majority of the songs not only were enjoyable on their own but worked in context of everything else. The music might be challenging to some but think after a couple spins you will appreciate what I heard. ​

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