Magik Markers Balf Quarry

• Words: Josiah Hughes
• Label: Drag City
• XLR8R Rating: 8/10

In its eight years together, out-there noise-rock duo Magik Markers has released a horde of CD-Rs and proper releases, combining Sonic Youth rockisms with free-spirited soundscapes. Balf Quarry, their latest and first for Drag City, shows the band’s continued forays into structure. Opener “Risperdal” throws out some molasses-paced jams via impossibly fuzzy guitars, while “Jerks” is straight-up punk rock. Elsewhere, songs like “State Numbers” build creepy anthems out of odd choices, while 10-minute closer “Shells” eventually lands on a sweetly stripped-down passage of piano and vocals. Succeeding in both diversity and cohesion, Balf Quarry is a remarkable album.