Successfully balancing hard-rocking passion and hook-ready approachability, Newborn Fossil is a stirring new EP from Marcus: the Apex Predator!. The Detroit-based indie/post-hardcore act was formed in 2015, and is led by guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Kevin Watts. Joining him on the EP are drummer Nick Marko (also his bandmate in Float Here Forever) and bassist Sean Bondareff (Kind Beast).
The EP’s title track opens with invigorating immersion, building from fuzzy guitar briskness into an infectious fervency. “Yes, in the springtime air,” a fierce vocal prowess lets out, traversing enjoyably into the central hook: “I’m standing beside myself, sizing up / This newborn fossil, my doppelganger.” Right away, the band showcases a tendency for erupting rock passion — artfully balancing a heavy ferocity with a memorably replay-inducing main refrain. “Lo-Fi” follows with an initial intrigue, melding angular guitar tones and a more spoken-word vocal feeling — showing shades of Pavement. The “because in lo-fi,” nostalgic reminiscing is especially stirring, ascending into a melodic charm with cohesively climactic allure.
Newborn Fossil continues to impress into its second half, as well. “The First Summer” propels with an anthemic spirit, building within sporadic vocal punches and a dynamic central sequence — venturing from the ardent “first summer!” exultations into the dreamier “feels possible…” introspection. A delectably soaring guitar solo follows. “Plenty & Shine” also compels in its pining for “days of plenty and shine,” melding a heavy rock arsenal within palpable yearning for better times; the hopeful spirit proves addictive. Concluding the EP, “No Fraction” enthralls with further ardor — especially in the “3-2-1… go!” countdown, firmly capping off the release with cathartic vigor.
