ALBUM REVIEW: Magik Markers – 2020

Drag City

Released: 23.10.20

Comprised of shredded-up roots rock and visions of Americana as seen through broken windows, 2020 finds Magik Markers returning after a seven-year absence with a more subdued but purposely subversive take on rock traditionalism.

Although in some ways a more easily digestible listen than previous records – the garage pop of You Can Find Me and twinkling balladry of Born Dead are far from their psychedelic, post-Sonic Youth origins – Magik Markers still use their askew power trio format to challenge ideas of realism with moments of fantastical daydreaming. The slow-burning stomp of CDROM makes for a fine re-statement of purpose for the band, Elisa Ambrogio shrugging off mundanity and late capitalism blues in favour of a bruised but unbowed Crazy Horse conflagration.