Markov

Markov

On the cover of Markov's debut, we're alerted that math rock will indeed be part of the equation – the quartet's even named after a Russian mathematician – but the post-punk rumble on This Quiet never quite reaches the dynamic state of some of the band's 1990s forebears. The 10 songs fly by with heavy hooks, rhythmic uppercuts, and healthy screams but also feel rushed. Not that there isn't some worthy riffery. Opener "Lucky Me" is a nice teaser, but "Rain Inside" finally warms up the circulatory system, and "Jaws of Life" and "Red Ocean" stand out as the better developed tracks. Chaotic closer "Prophecy Temptation" is gone in 60 seconds, exiting This Quiet in a head-scratching hurry. If they just spent a little more time on the pacing ....