If there really was a no-wave revival during the former half of this decade, Magik Markers should have been the flagship band. Unlike most of those bands (Sissy Spacek et al) Magik Markers actually have a sonic connection to the original movement – the one earmarked by No New York – and deserve to be touted as such. The real question is, do we need the no-wave sound to continue today, so long after the fact?
Magik Markers’ work mostly stands up to the quality of the true no-wave "scene" despite being generally regarded as inconsistent, which probably allows it to fit even better within the late-70’s no-wave requirements. The trouble with this band, and especially their current tour tape, is that no boundaries are being pushed. There is nothing here that hasn’t been done by any one of the Eno-worthy bands previously documented, and the tape itself feels like a step back even from what the band has done so far. Why buy a new tape when your copy of No New York still plays just fine?
These live tracks are inconsequential compared to the forceful, spastic sound Magik Markers are capable of. I understand that current trends are pulling further from the splattered, 30-second sound cascades prevalent only a year or two ago. Magik Markers are right to stay away from that sound; if only their lack of musicianship wasn't highlighted by slowing their playing down.
The recording quality itself doesn't promote the band's cause, either. Live recordings are usually full of bass and harder to decipher individual sounds on than a properly mixed album. This tape is full of treble, yet still bathed in enough outside noise and tape hiss (ah, the curse of the medium) to cover up much of the sound. The remnants: a dull drone of musically deficient, plucky guitars and half-hearted moaning that lacks the usual charm of guitarist/vocalist Elisa Ambrogio. Her vocal contributions are rare, but when they do arrive it is hard not to miss the energetic yelping that should be dominating this release. None of the members seem to be in top form, and this recording, especially if listened to without exposure to their better work, risks presenting them as charlatans. This tape is a fantastic investment opportunity, but hopefully no one will purchase it expecting a quality Magik Markers document.
