balf quarryThe insolent slouch of the Magik Markers' music owes something to the Rolling-Stones-on-even-more-drugs vibe of Royal Trux, while the influence of their sometime-patrons Sonic Youth is also pretty obvious. But don't mistake these comparisons for a lack of originality; this duo don't sound self-consciously 'arty' and the guitars don't aim for transcendence in the manner of the best Sonic Youth tracks. Balf Quarry has a homemade cobbled-together feel that mitigates the (not infrequent) moments of self indulgence. The sounds are ramshackle and unpolished and there are few concessions to melody or hooks. Despite its uncompromising nature, the Magik Markers music is ultimately grounded in an extremely mutated form of rock and roll. This is rock and roll that you can't really dance to, bang you head to or drive to and I'd be extremely surprised if it was involved in many successful attempts at seduction. However, Bo Diddley's primal throb beats on at the heart of this music – powered by sex and death as well as rumbling drums and grinding guitars. -- nick ilott
:: Magik Markers/Balf Quarry - Drag City/Rough Trade
