motel void

Whenever I see an album cover featuring a cat, I instinctively pay closer attention – it almost always piques my curiosity. The same goes for any song titled “Lo-Fi,” given my love for the genre. Detroit-based trio Marcus: The Apex Predator! managed to check both of those boxes with their new EP, Newborn Fossil.

This release stands out with its raw, energetic rock sound that blends the catchy hooks of pop-punk, the grit of grunge, and elements of metal, all while weaving in midwest emo riffs and a post-hardcore intensity. The EP was recorded by Jake Shives and mastered by Grammy-winning Detroit legend Dave Feeny at Tempermill Studios.

From the very first track, Newborn Fossil, the EP pulls you in with a captivating chorus and dynamic breaks. If you can embrace its gritty production, the record quickly becomes an addictive listen. The second track, Lo-Fi, became my personal favorite. Its sharp guitar riff and commanding vocal intro reminded me of At the Drive-In, as if the vocalist were delivering sort of a spoken manifesto in verses. Though I don’t usually gravitate toward spoken-style melodies, I found myself wishing for more of those moments here.

Tracks like The First Summer and Plenty & Shine seamlessly build upon the energy of the first two songs, each boasting strong choruses and striking guitar solos – gritty, raw, and suited to the band’s aesthetic.

Marcus: The Apex Predator! maintains their relentless energy through the final track, which stands out as perhaps the most intense moment on the EP. The guitar riffs here are at their rawest and most diverse, giving the song an unsettling yet emotive atmosphere. There’s a slightly disturbing undercurrent running through it, and the vocals at times even remind me of Bob Pollard from Guided by Voices.

Newborn Fossil marks Marcus: The Apex Predator!’s long-awaited return, following their 2018 album The Fury of Almost. Frontman and guitarist Kevin Watts once again teams up with Float Here Forever bandmate Nick Marko on drums, alongside bassist Sean Bondareff of Kind Beast. The result is a fierce, unapologetic EP that reaffirms the band’s ability to fuse melody with raw power – chaotic, intense, and hard to ignore.

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