If cities have a voice, then Detroit’s is rhythmic and compelling. Here, music is a part of life itself. In the ’60s, Detroit became the birthplace of Motown Records – the sound that changed the world. Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Jackson 5 recorded here. This music united people and set the rhythm of an entire era. In the ‘80s, it became the cradle of techno. Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson created a new sound that took over clubs worldwide. Then came Eminem. Today, Detroit keeps on sounding: underground raves, hip-hop in the streets, clubs where soul and jazz live. Music here never stops, just like the city itself.
And now, Detroit is once again betting on its underground scene, introducing a new monster – Marcus: the Apex Predator! This indie punk trio rejects all standards, reminding us what real energy sounds like. Their latest release, “Newborn Fossil”, is an explosive EP that grabs you for 18 minutes. Five tracks hit like projectiles, bursting in your head with raw drive and a gritty DIY sound, proving that Marcus: the Apex Predator! means business.
The first one is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful moments on the album – the track “Plenty & Shine.” I got the impression that Kevin Watts gave it his all: the lyrics, the way he sings, the instrumental component – everything flows as one powerful stream. The main concept in the song is the longing for the fleetingness of time, because no matter how hard you try, you can’t stop it. And while “Plenty & Shine” captivates with its philosophical, orderly line, the eponymous track “Newborn Fossil” crashes in with a guitar groove – distorted, harsh riffs and drum beats that immediately spiral into a whirlwind of energy. The daring vocals maintain the atmosphere of 90s hardcore punk, and the full force of this track transports you to the epicenter of youth, when attending a Jawbreaker concert made you realize that “punk” is a way of life.
And while this adrenaline still bubbles in your blood, “Lo-Fi” bursts in like an inhaler for the brain, changing the rhythm and making you lose your breath. Guitar riffs break halfway, the drums take their own unconventional path, and the vocals twist like a spring, but suddenly – boom! – and the recording is already at the chorus, whose lyrics you want to shout out loud with them. In the song, the guys reflect on how difficult it is to stay true to your creative path, especially when your family doesn’t fully understand why you’re doing all of this.
And while these thoughts still linger in your mind, “The First Summer” bursts in with the gust of a warm wind, rolling across the asphalt at such speed that you can’t feel how the air rushes out of your lungs with each new chord. The vocals are “straightforward” – sometimes restrained, at other times impulsive and sharp. This song is a memory of the first summer after the pandemic, when the world began to return to its usual rhythm, but with a new, unexplored sensation. Everything seemed alive, filled with electricity, but alas, it was too fleeting. Because things will never be the same as before.
And in the final track “No Fraction,” this moment unfolds in bold melodies: the song breaks the order, turning it into chaos that doesn’t calm down. There are no pauses, everything is on edge, with guitars and drums that don’t let you rest. The dynamics scorch, and the rhythm – it’s an explosion, it’s life. Marcus: the Apex Predator! tears apart all the rules, throws standards out the window, and leaves only fiery flashes of melodies that leave no chance to overshadow this moment.
The punk storm from Detroit, Marcus: the Apex Predator!, radiates a special magic in their new EP, leaving a rather pleasant aftertaste regardless of whether you like the release as a whole. Without a doubt, the EP “Newborn Fossil ” is elevated by its undeniably talented musicianship: virtuoso, vibrant guitar solos and vocals bring nostalgic notes of classic punk to the sound. It will appeal even to the most discerning listener – there’s drive, technique, precision, and pure exhilaration. Marcus: the Apex Predator! have released something truly exciting, both for collectors and fans of raw, untamed indie punk.
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