Born out of the heart of Detroit’s restless music scene, Marcus: The Apex Predator! Is a band that wears its identity like armor; loud, layered, and unapologetically intense. Formed in 2015 by Kevin Watts (guitars, vocals, songwriter) and longtime collaborator Nick Marko (drums, percussion), both veterans of the band Float Here Forever, the group quickly carved out a niche for themselves in the post-hardcore/indie-rock space. Not ones to follow trends or settle into genre clichés, M:tAP! Thrives on contradiction: melodic yet aggressive, thoughtful yet wild, raw yet calculated. Their music is a cocktail of emotion, brain, and bravado, poured straight from the Motor City into your speakers.
After a lengthy hiatus, Watts and Marko returned in 2025 introducing bassist Sean Bondareff (of Kind Beast). The result of this reunion? A scorching new EP titled “Newborn Fossil”, a release that proves time away hasn’t dulled their edge, in fact, it’s only sharpened it.
Released on February 28th, 2025, “Newborn Fossil” isn’t just a title, it’s a mission statement. This EP is the sound of rebirth, a coming-up-for-air moment after years in creative hibernation. It kicks the door in with raw energy and leaves the listener with bruises, catharsis, and a ringing in their ears that says: “That was something special.”
From the first note, you’re hit with the unmistakable DNA of Detroit rock: gritty, unrelenting, and crafted with a mechanic’s precision. Watts’ guitar work shines with angular, riff-heavy aggression, balancing chaos and control in perfect tension. His vocals deliver lines with the kind of emotional conviction that makes you believe every word. Marko’s drumming is both propulsive and nuanced, a steady hand steering through the chaos, while Bondareff’s bass provides a sturdy yet sinuous foundation that anchors the entire sonic structure.
New Fossil EP Track List:
Newborn Fossil:
“Newborn Fossil,” the opening salvo of Marcus: The Apex Predator!’s 2025 EP, explodes into existence. Gritty guitar tones and a charged rhythmic backbone lay the groundwork for a song that immediately commands attention. The punk-tinged vocals arrive like a gut punch; raw, emotive, and dripping with urgency, setting the emotional tone for what’s to come. There’s a volatile energy here, a sense of something barely contained, as if the track could derail at any moment, but never does. That tightly controlled chaos is what makes the song so compelling.
Instrumentally, “Newborn Fossil” thrives on tension and contrast. Jagged guitar riffs collide with propulsive drums, creating a relentless forward motion that propels the listener straight into the heart of the band’s sonic world. But there’s a melodic sensibility underpinning the aggression; this isn’t just noise for noise’s sake. The dynamics between the vocals and instrumentation create a rich, layered atmosphere that’s both chaotic and carefully constructed. It’s the kind of track that reveals new textures with each listen, whether it’s a buried harmony or a sharp percussive accent that cuts through at just the right moment.
The production work on this track elevates it from a powerful song to a full-blown statement. Clean and polished without sacrificing grit, the mix lets every element breathe while maintaining the rawness that defines the band’s sound. The rebellious energy that pulses through the song feels distinctly Detroit; gritty, working-class, and unfiltered. As the opening track of the EP, “Newborn Fossil” doesn’t just set the stage, it flips it over, lights it on fire, and dares the rest of the record to keep up. It’s a bold, brilliant start that signals Marcus: The Apex Predator! Is not only back, but hitting harder than ever.
The First Summer:
“The First Summer”, the third track on “Newborn Fossil”, finds Marcus: The Apex Predator! Flexing a different muscle, one that leans into brightness and melody without sacrificing their signature intensity. From the jump, the track radiates sunshine with a crisp, catchy guitar riff that instantly shifts the EP’s emotional palette. It’s an unexpected yet welcome turn, showing the band’s ability to craft songs that feel just as vital in moments of levity as they do in angst. The vocals, fierce yet tuneful, are soaked in hooks, pulling listeners into the track’s infectious energy.
Instrumentally, the band builds a rich, upbeat landscape that contrasts their heavier tendencies while still feeling unmistakably like M:tAP!. The drums punch with urgency, the guitars soar, and there’s a buoyant rhythm that carries the entire song with an effortless drive. There’s a push-and-pull between energy and ease here, every note feels spontaneous, but never careless. As the vocals and instrumentation intertwine, the track captures a rare balance, like a spontaneous road trip that still somehow feels perfectly planned.
“The First Summer” glows with a warm, sun-kissed ambiance that feels like a musical postcard from a perfect day; nostalgic, vibrant, and alive. It’s the kind of track that invites repeat listens, a refreshing detour on an otherwise hard-charging EP. With its bright melodies and spontaneous energy, this track stands out as a moment of joy and clarity amid the storm, proving that Marcus: The Apex Predator! knows how to rage and radiate in equal measure.
No Fraction:
Closing out “Newborn Fossil” with haunting finality, “No Fraction” is Marcus: The Apex Predator! At their most brooding and intense. The track wastes no time establishing its mood, opening with a dark and ominous sonic palette that feels like the calm before a storm. The gritty vocals cut through the gloom with a sense of desperation that’s impossible to ignore, injecting the track with urgency and weight. It’s the sound of a band not just closing an EP, but leaving a mark, dragging the listener through their most dystopian, disquieting soundscape yet.
The instrumentation is a force in itself, distorted guitar layers crash over relentless drums, creating a wall of sound that borders on overwhelming but never loses its direction. The fusion of aggression and artistry is staggering, with swirling riffs and rhythmic tension building to moments of near-chaos. Just when it seems like the track might consume itself, the vocals fall away, giving the instrumentation a chance to breathe and explode. That instrumental stretch is mesmerizing, a searing, vibrant performance that grips the listener in a whirlwind of controlled chaos.
“No Fraction” is crystal clear in its intent and execution. Every sonic detail is placed with precision, yet the track retains its raw, unfiltered power. There’s a chilling sense of unease threaded through every note, making the song feel like a descent into darkness, or a last breath before silence. As a closer, it’s not just effective, it’s unforgettable. “No Fraction” doesn’t let you go easy; it lingers, echoing in your head long after the final note fades. It’s the perfect curtain call for an EP that refuses to be boxed in, cementing Marcus: The Apex Predator! As a band unafraid to end on their darkest, most daring note.
Tracks across the EP showcase a dynamic range: moments of pummeling urgency give way to melodic passages that breathe and reflect, always maintaining a sense of urgency and depth. It’s music built for both the pit and the headphones. The EP’s production, handled by Jake Shives and mastered by Grammy-winning Detroit legend Dave Feeny at Tempermill Studios is nothing short of stellar. Every instrument is given space to shine, yet the mix stays cohesive, letting the band’s full throttle intensity burst through without becoming overwhelming. There’s clarity without sterility; it still feels alive, raw, and human.
Most importantly, “Newborn Fossil” feels like a deeply personal record. It’s a testament to survival, reconnection, and rediscovery. The band doesn’t just pick up where they left off, they leap forward with confidence, proving they haven’t just endured, they’ve evolved. Whether you’re a fan of post-hardcore, alternative rock, or just need something honest and energetic to shake you awake, “Newborn Fossil” is a must-listen. Marcus: The Apex Predator! May have been dormant, but this EP proves they’re anything but extinct.
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