Magik Markers LIVE review from October last year......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2007
Live!: Magik Markers (featuring Ben Chasny)
Sunset Tavern
October 10, 2007
Seattle, WA
The Sunset was glowing red, and if not for a small but packed crowd dressed in their darkest colors the room would have been glowing. I found a place to settle in the back while watching the Magik Markers set up. Considering one can only fawn over Elisa for so long, I began to direct my attention to Chasny--the evening's honorary Marker. I've had the pleasure of speaking w/ Mr. Chasny a few times in the past but this evening I decided--at least at that moment--to be at the Sunset Tavern as nothing more than a fan. I made sure to blend in the crowd and avoid any knowing glances.
The Markers began their blistering set with a distortion-riddled "Taste," destroying the memory of BOSS' less abrasive version. Chasny was a storm on guitar, continually pounding the strings with an arm like a piston as his eyes were focused on watching Elisa's cabaret.
In this moment, I came to realize just how many folks tend to leave out talk of Pete Nolan, who deserves praise for his drumming chops and ability to translate the fury of Animal into a focused synergy of arms, sticks and drums. I found a spot closer to the stage to catch glimpses of his work and after the onslaught of "Axis Mundi" I was happy I did.
The show finished with "Body Rot" as scenesters and diehards alike danced in unison to the ferocious punk tribute. Sadly, the Markers were only able to fit a handful of jams and songs into their 45 minutes on stage. Why they yielded for headliner Kinski I do not know. I could watch the Markers play for hours--the shows are electric. Elisa and Pete have always been able to grab a crowd and never let go, and with the help of Ben and an unidentified female keyboardist, the set was another unique triumph for the duo.
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