Makar

“Knowing that they have the street credit, the indie rock darlings of the world, I rooted for Makar’s overall essence. It’s like walking into a vintage store, all the yellows, the greens, the rust colors – and feeling an overwhelming sense of sunshine and love. They somehow embody this punk world but let in shards of light and optimism. If they were a periodical, Makar would be the homemade kind you used to grab on your way out of the downtown record stores. Someone took the time to make a run to Kinkos and make those music rags.”

By Loren Sperry - January 27, 2022 - Music Existence

“NYC duo MAKAR does not need much to bring a story to life, in this case, “Petronella” by Jay Williams. They put a lot of good vibes into music and visuals, so enjoy a five-minute break from the cold January weather.”

By Elke Nominikat - January 11, 2022 - Glamglare

“A quirky and fun music video ‘I Want To Be Loved’ by husband & wife duo MAKAR, who’ve been dropping literate, blues-infused piano pop / indie rock gems since 2002”

By True Skateboard Magazine — January 6, 2022 - True Skateboard Magazine

“The new release will inevitably expand its name to the most inhospitable corners, because “Love And Confusion” is SENSATIONAL!”

By Alessandro Iglesias — December 18, 2021 - Roadie Music

“Your latest track is 'Love and Confusion'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?

Andrea: I know there’s really no resemblance to this but when I started this song I was listening to Love and Happiness by Al Green over and over again. I mean it sounds nothing like that song, it’s just the longing in it. It’s my little Indie nod to Rev. Green. I just love the way he begins the song. He whispers in your ear, sets your soul on edge, talking just to you, telling you a truth. I like the beginning because it feels so quiet and yet so powerful.

What surprises me with this song’s creation is that it alludes to other songs we’ve written and I wasn’t even aware of it at the time. The lyric, “the sky is falling down” connects with another song on the album, Devil Don’t Do Me In lyric – “Do I give into depression or does the sky simply fall on me?” Emotions always threaten to burst through and are frowned upon in the day-to-day grind.

It’s funny, I only see all these intersections with in hindsight. Even in our second album, Funeral Genius in the title track, I wrote “the sky below is always falling a little.” And the sky is that feeling when depression starts to circle and you feel if only you fight hard enough you can hold up the sky and push back the depression. I tend to write about the same things unknowingly – insomnia, depression, anxiety, wanting to belong.

In the recording of Love and Confusion, it became a very different song. It was angrier before (https://youtu.be/sGHqsKfA4bo). I had this desire to play it in a higher octave and in those higher octaves, Mark and I found all these different harmonies I could sing as well as the ooooo in the bridge. I can’t imagine the song without the oooo.

While I like the original version, the final version on the album with all the high / low harmonies and the high energy made the song take off. Add a little timbales and the song transformed.”

By Kamil Bobin — December 16, 2021 - Lost in the Manor

“With the release of their latest single “Love and Confusion,” the band ramps up their positive vibes for a mesmerizing release of feel-good energy and vocal harmonies and contagious vibes. Right when Andrea’s vocals comes in, the flavorful pop notes were noticeable right from the start.”

By My Nguyen — November 17, 2021 - With Guitars

“The single 'Love And Confusion' is the main tune from this record and it really has that amazing energy and extraordinary melody that fascinates us with its simplicity and memorability.”

By Indie Dock Music Blog — December 7, 2021 - Indie Dock Music Blog

“Husband and wife duo, Makar, have another cooler-than-you-think gem with their new Halloween-inspired hit, “Zombies Have Rights Too”. Or is it inspired by the undead? Perhaps a nefarious monster is behind the song, or maybe it’s presented as a nod to the folks that just don’t get the same attention or love as they deserve. The tight sound, the airy melodies and the quirky beat is what makes Makar oh-so-good.”

“I felt like there was a deeper layer to this, that the idea of being isolated and alone is universal. I think in a lot of ways, as a society we are zombies. We are always looking ahead, and not always truly looking at the people around us or even in the mirror.”

By Kim Muncie - November 8, 2021 - Neufutur Magazine

“The new song “Zombies Have Rights Too” is a quick, but altogether trek. I loved the haunting vibe meshed with a folky-pop-rock residue. Makar, the husband-wife duo made up of Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell, behind this trippy jaunt, embellishes the song with dreamy pop percussion (sounding a lot like bongos) with oohs and awes. Someone to love…zombie love, DeAngelis sings. The fresh, almost warm acoustic guitar elevates the heat, in almost a way that feels golden. I suppose if you’re looking for a song that goes ‘haunt in the night’ this might not be the midnight madness you seek. Rather, it’s an endearing look, albeit quick, look at a group that often gets overlooked. Zombies need love too; you will be singing away.”

“Zombies Have Rights Too” is from the forthcoming album (due November 19) Fancy Hercules. Purnell notes in the band’s press materials that they never run out of ideas for songs. Judging by their track record, and their newest release, Makar are bound to turn some heads and ears. “Zombies Have Rights Too” might find itself smooshed alongside other Halloween tracks, but it’s fair to say that it belongs in a whole new indie category. Makar have honed their sound, and this is just a scrumptious track to get behind. The music video, too, is just as fun. It’s a bit off kilter – and who doesn’t like a bizarre zombie and monster couple having a candlelit dinner in their apartment? Gnarly teeth and some burgundy fake blood, and you have yourself a riot of a music video.”

By Jennifer Munoz — November 6, 2021 - VENTS

“Zombies Have Rights Too” opens on a sparkling piano riding a tight, finessed rhythm. Buoyant vocal harmonies enter, giving the lyrics a delicious, ghoulish feel as syncopating beats imbue the tune with galloping cadence. Glowing ahh, ahh harmonies flow overhead, infusing the song with radiant suffusion.”

By Randy Radic — October 28, 2021 - Celebmix

The incredible duo of Makar have been taking over New York City as one of the prominent mainstays in the scene. Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell pour their heart and soul into their music, and have become one of the most talked about and well-regarded acts, even more so over the course of the past 2 years.

By Jennifer Palou, April 24, 2017 - NY Patch

Makar is the folk-rock duo of Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell. Creating an impeccable brand of music, the group, who have been making waves the past several years, are gearing up for their latest release Fancy Hercules which will finally see the light of day in 2017. The musically charged duo pen poetic lyrics and mystical melodies that are thought provoking and breathtaking all at once.

By Carrie Lowell, February 10, 2017 - Kurrent Music

"Filled with gorgeous color and stunning imagery, Makar’s Folk-Rock sounds will equally entice and delight you. With their recent release in tow “Funeral Genius,” the group is gearing up for a jumpstart in 2017 on the heels of their long-awaited follow up, “Fancy Hercules.” Their creative and innovative songs drive with a force that is enlightening and delightful, even when the songs gain a dark edge. Makar proves themselves as artists, both musically and lyrically, which makes us want to know more about the rising group.”

By Amy Garon, August 30, 2016 - Medium

"The New York City scene is a very crowded one. Everyone who comes here is given a chance but to have any staying power you must be something special. Our friends from Makar have been a staple of the folk rock scene for the last 14 years. Their sound is powered by guitar and piano that blends indie rock energy, some raw punk, and the intimate feel of folk. Andrea and Mark of Makar are some of the hardest workers out there and they seem to always have fun doing it. "

Kind words from writer and founder, Keith Pro, August 15, 2016 - Indie Band Guru

Makar is a duo that have been breaking through the sea of Indie bands in New York City. Since 2002, they have been charming audiences with their vibrant brand of Indie-Folk that is noteworthy and delightful, as musicians Mark Purnell and Andrea DeAngelis find their heart and soul in their songs.

Earning a Top 10 spot on the Deli Magazine’s Top 300 NYC Indie Bands, the group impress with their latest release, Funeral Genius. 2016 sees big things in store for the band, as Makar is set to release their third record, Fancy Hercules.

By Louise Parker, May 17, 2016 - Paste Magazine

Makar is husband-wife duo Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell, creating glorious Anti-Folk sounds throughout New York City for a number of years, the group are getting ready to release their latest endeavor into the world, Fancy Hercules. Usually armed with a guitar and piano, the duo bring new life into the genre, and expand their horizons far beyond.

By Jeremy Davis, April 5, 2016 - Ethnocloud

Makar, have made quite an impression on music listeners in recent years. Makar’s most recent record, “Funeral Genius” is their most innovative to date, but things are about to be taken up a notch with the eclectic upcoming record, “Fancy Hercules” due out later this year.

March 9, 2016 - BuzzFeed

Makar, the brilliant band who hails from New York, are already creating a stir in the New Year. Made up of Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell (who are husband and wife), they prove that they are a mainstay in the indie-folk scene.

By Kay Aarons, January 8, 2016 - Arena

Chatting with New York Staple, Makar. If you are from the New York area, chances are you’ve heard of Makar. Made up of husband-and-wife duo Mark Purnell and Andrea DeAngelis, the two bring to life a familiar sound, which is starting to branch out across the nation; and beyond!

By Emily Hinde, January 6, 2016 - No Depression

Makar is a band that has been making waves the past several years in the New York City music scene and around the world. The eclectic anti-folk duo bring a charming set of songs to life with their latest record “Funeral Genius.” October 9, 2015 - Independent Artist Buzz

A great album displays a range of sounds, of styles, and of emotions. In Makar‘s album, Funeral Genius, whole spectrums unfurl with each new track. The piano and guitar wielding duo hail from New York, and their second album is just waiting for you to enjoy it. Listen above as the album plays through or choose your track here.

Highlights of Funeral Genius include the second track “I Wanna Know What I Don’t Know” with its 90s punk-ish kick. Here, co-vocalist Andrea DeAngelis’s voice is reminiscent of Kathleen Hanna’s, and let me tell you, that’s a good thing. In the next track, “Belong Here” the vocals become much gentler. Makar are interested in nothing less than keeping an audience on their toes. The other half of the duo, Mark Purnell, shines on the ninth song of the album, “Show Me That Look in Your Eyes”, which has a definitive folk-love feel. A perfect track for summertime.

Makar’s first album, 99 Cent Dreams, can be heard here. You can download their music on ReverbNation and keep up with them over on their Facebook page or their website.

Reveiwed by Kaitlin Ruether April 14, 2015 - New Sick Music

MAKAR is on the Indie Anthems x NewRockStars 2015 mixtape series featuring music from top unsigned artists worldwide. Indie Anthems is a curated music series to showcase a variety of emerging independent artists in electronic, hip-hop, indie, and alternative music. NewRockStars teamed up with Indie Anthems during their SXSW beta shows to hand pick the artists for this curated mixtape series, featuring some of the best next level and hottest names in new music.
MAKAR closes out the compilation with their song, I Wanna Know What I Don’t Know, from their latest album Funeral Genius.

2015 - Indie Anthems x NewRockStars

This is the second piece I'm writing for Popa Tunes, which has been a pleasure, as well as an excellent opportunity to expose myself to some new music. He has a natural ear for the sounds worth paying attention to, so I never turn down the chance to work with him.

In November 2011, NYC Indie Pop band MAKAR came out with their second major release "Funeral Genius," and the unique qualities of this album make it an extremely significant addition to my collection. Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell are the core of MAKAR, both demonstrate their extraordinary affinity for singing and songwriting throughout the album, with Andrea on guitar and Mark on piano. "Funeral Genius" also features bassist Mark Nilges and drummer Dawn McGrath, and the end result is something that deserves attention.

I've only had my hands on the album for about a week or so, but I have been listening to it on repeat nonstop. One of the greatest strengths of this twelve-track artistic accomplishment is the technically flawless layering of multiple styles; the instrumentals alone provide a good look at the finely-honed talent of every member. Purnell and DeAngelis alternating on vocals further enhance the multi-faceted nature of their work, and no amount of genre labels or comparisons would really do MAKAR justice. Each song carries its own particular sound, but it all comes together as a complete and well-rounded album. I keep finding myself a little more appreciative of each track every time I listen to it.

I was already enjoying myself immensely just listening to "Funeral Genius," but after getting my hands on the lyrics I was blown away. The words to every song read like poetry, and despite the outstanding musical performance, I would consider this one of the most impressive aspects. The tone throughout each song comes across as folk with a dark taste to it, but the music is by no stretch of the imagination depressing. Mark and Andrea walk a very fine line with the words, but they do it with a level of style that makes the overall emotional impact something that makes you think and feel in a different kind of way. These lyrics have some real substance to them, and it raises my already massive appreciation for MAKAR's music.

Personal Favorite Tracks:

5. I Can't Tell You To Stay: One of the best bass lines on the entire album starts off this track, both Mark and Andrea sing, fantastic song. This is the one that really caught my attention.

11. Three Times A Midnight: A slow paced, well put-together song that has an immaculate chorus. Every member really shines in this song, and the lyrics are superb.

12. Devil In A Dream: Perfect bluesy folk song, low tech recording with an acoustic guitar in a basement somewhere in Mendham, NJ. What more do you need?

"Funeral Genius" is an album worth its value several times over, and any releases coming from these standout NYC artists in the near future will become an instant addition to my collection. Even if you aren't an indie pop fan, there's a good chance the hauntingly majestic sounds of MAKAR will change your opinion on the genre. In the meantime, I will be eagerly anticipating anything they come up with.

Review of Makar's album, Funeral Genius
Popa’s Tunes
Guest Posted by Matthew Warburton cross posted at Screaming at the Wall
http://popatunes.blogspot.com/2012/04/makars-funeral-genius-lives-up-to-its.html
April 1, 2012 - Popa's Tunes

Makar does what so many other bands try to do, but fail. They combine indie, pop and rock with catchy lyrics, and they do it very, very well. They make well written songs with a distinctive sound, mixing irreverence with seriousness, layering complex arrangements under likeable melodies. In a lot of ways they're similar to Radiophonic - recently reviewed by RUST - in that there's a real excellence and uniqueness in every small element of what they do, and their album "Funeral Genius" immediately breaks through to best-of, must-have status.

Coming from the left of center, with distinctive presences from both Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell "Funeral Genius" takes elements of the 60's and everything since and weaves together a complete full-length album that is strong from start to finish. For "Funeral Genius" this husband and wife pair are supported by bassist Mark Nilges and the mighty, legendary NYC drummer Dawn McGrath, and the result is an album that makes you stop whatever else you're doing and LISTEN to it. It grabs, holds and rewards your attention and you realize that this is one of those all-time-legendary releases that will define this musical moment in your memory.

With ten years of time together, during which Makar impressed audiences at top venues around the New York area, this album definitely sounds like a unified presentation from an experienced team. The press has been kind to them, and a feature on MTV got them a deal with Sizzleteen Records. "Funeral Genius" is the result of that deal, and it has actually been the result of a lot of long-term work. Recorded at the Seaside Lounge Recording Studios in Park Slope, Brooklyn, "Funeral Genius" was three years in the making. As Mark recalls, "We recorded the first 11 songs on the album in one day at Seaside out in Brooklyn getting the drums and bass down and then “Devil in a Dream” was recorded in one day out at Andrea's parent's house in Mendham, NJ on a handheld tape recorder.

Mark Purnell has been compared to a young John Cale, and the band shares vibes ranging from Bjork to Bowie to Blondie with strong 60's roots. There is strong retro-esque songwriting similar in both feel and excellence to the Brian Jonestown Massacre, but this is not a "retro" band. It's a folky, punky, indie mix that presents a team of unique and talented people, and that's the real take-away here. Makar accomplishes a sound and feel that many, many other bands try to achieve and usually fail because they're not talented songwriters and performers whose music comes from experience and authentic talent. Spoiler alert: this is an album that will have you throwing away half a dozen other "wannabe" albums from your collection.

So get ready to make some space on your shelf or playlist for "Funeral Genius" and pick it up right away. It's going to be one of your most-loved albums of all time. Essential.

Review of Makar's album, Funeral Genius
http://www.rustzine.com/RUST/Makar_Funeral_Genius.html
Eric Peterson
Rust Magazine
March 20, 2012 - Rust Magazine

"Makar, I'm told, is a 15th Century Scottish term for poet. Makar is also this really killer duo from New York City. We already recommended them based on a couple of tracks I heard from their 2005 debut 99 Cent Dreams. Now, I've had the chance to hear their long awaited follow up Funeral Genius, and it's time to start shouting from the roof tops. Actually, I just like shouting from rooftops, but Makar is worth shouting about.

Makar is husband and wife Mark Purnell and Andrea DeAngelis. They play piano and acoustic guitar driven alt-rock. It's intelligent, catchy and unique. In short it's everything, got me into this type of music in the first place. The bands list of influences reads like a playlist off my MP3 player, and includes Nick Drake - so bonus points there.

If you remember from the Ear to the Ground recommends post (and I know you remember everything I write), this is the band that does my anthem of late - Hate My Job. Go check out that video."

Joe Wolfe-Mazeres
Ear to the Ground
Friday, January 13, 2012 - Ear to the Ground

"Makar, I'm told, is a 15th Century Scottish term for poet. Makar is also this really killer duo from New York City. We already recommended them based on a couple of tracks I heard from their 2005 debut 99 Cent Dreams. Now, I've had the chance to hear their long awaited follow up Funeral Genius, and it's time to start shouting from the roof tops. Actually, I just like shouting from rooftops, but Makar is worth shouting about.

Makar is husband and wife Mark Purnell and Andrea DeAngelis. They play piano and acoustic guitar driven alt-rock. It's intelligent, catchy and unique. In short it's everything, got me into this type of music in the first place. The bands list of influences reads like a playlist off my MP3 player, and includes Nick Drake - so bonus points there.

If you remember from the Ear to the Ground recommends post (and I know you remember everything I write), this is the band that does my anthem of late - Hate My Job. Go check out that video."

Joe Wolfe-Mazeres
Ear to the Ground
Friday, January 13, 2012 - Ear to the Ground

"Boy-girl piano/guitar avant-garde sing along music."

"A superb, balanced palette of drums, guitar and high crooning voices. A completely satisfying album with no real start or endpoint to it, nor concept. File it next to Velvet Underground's "Loaded" for sheer pop loveliness from your curators, Mark and Andrea. Singles include "I Hate My Job" (a rousing rant against the corporates), "Damion Day" (the requisite piano-guitar rave up, a crowd favorite). It's hard not to like the strong piano sound from Mark on "All I Know". "Honey Colored Time" has the most crossover potential...a song against the man.....but under what flag? Shimmer, slowness, even salaciousiness, so much to love about this rock quartet."

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
Radio Crystal Blue
By Dan Herman
12/2006
http://www.radiocrystalblue.com - www.radiocrystalblue.com

"Makar is what happens when you cross the current indie revolution with a tinge of folk rock. Their debut album, 99 Cent Dreams, is an absolute joy to listen to. Every song is based on a real emotion or real thing, something that a lot of bands just can't seem to write good songs about these days. This album is catchy and has a sound that definitely stands out from the rest of the bands out there. It's not going to appeal to the metal heads or rap fanatics, but everyone else out there with an open mind will find an intriguing collection of songs.

Andrea and Mark are the two singers of Makar, and both have an extremely impressive vocal range. Mark's singing is typically more laid back and very smooth to listen to. It flows well with the instrumental work, and his vocals are what give the music a bit of an indie rock vibe. Andrea's singing is all over the place, but this is not a bad thing at all (it just might make things a little inaccessible to some listeners). Her voice is incredible and it especially shows on songs such as "All I Know", where she gives an extremely melodic performance that is definitely tear worthy. However, it is her screeches on songs such as the opener "I Hate My Job" that will grab a lot of listener's attentions. They are very high pitched and sometimes can be compared to some of the female punk singers out there (which is an unusual mix).

The instrumental work is superb, there's no better way to put it. The opener is a fast paced surf-rock esque track that quickly transitions into a more laid back ballad style track. Although Makar has plenty of folk rock vibes, there are also songs that allude to a country style. The group likes to jump between more mellow and up-tempo segments, although I will admit that I personally like the more mellow aspects. It may seem like a crazy mix at times (especially when mixing in the opening track with some of the later ones), but everything falls into place.

Makar's debut album is a wonderful trip through a wonderland of infectious tracks that the average person will be able to relate though. The two vocalist aspect (one male, one female) also gives the music a bit more depth than one would initially think. In an industry that is slowly leaning towards corporate cookie cutter rock 'n roll and stereotypical rap music, Makar isn't afraid to think outside of the box and come up with music that anyone can enjoy. 99 Cent Dreams is definitely a noteworthy album, and I can't wait to see where the group goes from here. "

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
Cosmosgaming.com
by Chris Dahlberg
6/20/06
http://www.cosmosgaming.com/articles.php?id=404&articletype=review - Cosmos Gaming

"New York's Makar finds a delicate way to mix their influences into something all their own defying comparison to anyone. Maybe it's the shared vocals of Andrea DeAngelis and Mark Purnell that stand out inside of each song. Maybe it's the small things that really start standing out the more I listen to the disc… the piano lightly chugging like it were in a Mississippi juke joint? Is it the guitars resembling the psychedelic sixties or the post punk clang heard in the eighties? Whatever it is that I'm hearing, makes Makar a musical genius worth telling people about. So pile into the van, make it fast and throw on this disc!"

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
IndependentsOnly.com
By Monk
4/4/2006 - www.IndependentsOnly.com

“Not going to lie, my favorite thing about Makar is the lyrics. Every song is based on an honest, coherent poem. Topics range from hating “The Man” to loving your spouse. Makar also has that rare ability, prized by such bands as Rasputina, to write about unconventional subjects and not make annoying songs. I Hate My Job sounds like obnoxious surf music, and yet, I dig it. It makes me think of those days when you are so frustrated that you break into crazed, but ultimately hilarious complaining. “I hate my job. I hate my life. I hate my girl. I hate my wife. And I hate you!” A personal favorite from 99 Cent Dreams is The Country Song. It’s a cowboy story in which God apparently gives up. And it also features some pretty lyrics, “I’ll find my way home tonight somehow, even if my guide’s a firefly.” That is the tip of the iceberg; you’ll have to check out Makar yourself to get the full treatment.”

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
Northeast In-Tune
by Stephanie Crosby
2/24/06 - www.northeastintune.com

"Makar are from New York, hate their jobs (opening track, I Hate My Job) and take their name from an old Scottish word meaning poet. 99 Cent Dreams is a self-released album featuring 18 tracks and they’ve sent a disc of live videos as well...They sound like New York. Not the recent New York, the Strokes and all that, but the older New York, the one that belonged to the Velvet Underground and the arty-types in The Village...This record is full of breadline-living bohemia and wanting to be Andy Warhol. The tunes are a mix of the Velvets and US college rock like Ben Fold’s Five. Plain, simple poetry set to decent melodies based around acoustic guitars with extras like pianos and whatever comes to hand laid over the top."

"I Can’t Tell You To Stay is a simple song sung beautifully by Andrea DeAngelis – a haunting tune that rises above the rest of their stuff. She sings it in falsetto, the words lost in the tune but the feeling staying put. Don’t know how you could get your hands on it, but it’d be worth hearing. " [from a live gig video at Luna Lounge found on www.sonicbids.com/makar]

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams and Live Video
God is in the TV
by Chris Helsby
10/23/2005 - www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk

"At first it was kinda hard to wrap my brain around Makar's debut CD, 99 Cent Dreams. The album definitely harkens back to an earlier age or idea with its late 60's' Go Go guitars, community theater boy/girl vocals, and healthy dose of boogie piano. It finally hit me - Makar sounds like an early 70's rock musical, filled with furry do-gooders all oddly earnest and projecting on a stage of rainbows and karma. With a vibe that's both reverent folk revivalism and (possibly) tongue-in-cheek pastiche, 99 Cent Dreams owes as much to the "Jeepers Creepers" sketch from Mr. Show as it does to Hair. On "The Country Song", Mark Purnell's Vanagon blues vocals are periodically interrupted by sharp yelps from second vocalist Andrea DeAngelis, leading me to picture them both in technicolor dream coats on a stage mugging for a stoned, easy going audience. DeAngelis carries "What Can I Tell You" with an enjoyable blend of the Supremes and Suzi Quatro, simultaneous lush and chrome for what's probably the album's standout song. The title track, like much of the record, is really peppy and sunny, throwing in narrative tempo changes and a big blustry coda. Closer "Andrea" turns down the starshine with some minor key emotionalism after "I Don't Know God" sways its way through some mid-tempo coffee shop existentialism. While not your average folk/pop release, 99 Cent Dreams certainly displays its fair share of musical talent and theatrical bombast."

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
Blue Magazine
by Rooney
9/7/2005 - www.bluemag.com

"The New York music scene recently flourished with electro and ‘80s-inspired bands, the band Makar is a breath of fresh air with its full-length debut 99 Cent Dreams. Timeless folk-based pop gems manifest Makar’s 99 Cent Dreams. The opening track “I Hate My Job” offers everyday man fantasies about leaving the 9 to 5 drudge to become a rockstar. The standout tune “What Can I Tell You” also appears on the compilation Freshly Squeezed Music vol. 1. Husband and wife Mark Purnell and Andrea DeAngelis not only share lead vocal duties, but also co-wrote 15 of the 18 songs jointly and arranged the album’s artwork. Purnell’s voice is surprisingly theatrical and DeAngelis, who proved her own at various poetry recitals in the Big Apple, flavorfully adds chirps, complementing the cadence. 99 Cent Dreams is available through cdbaby.com."

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
Pop Making Sense Article
by David Byrne
8/11/2005
Entire article can be found at:
http://www.windycitytimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=9162 - Windy City Times

Makar is a New York based indie rock band who ain’t gonna take no shit no how. Whether it’s a diatribe and rant about work or religion, Makar tackles the issues head on with horns ready to stab anyone in the gut dumb enough to stand in their way. But based on these comments you’d think they had a hard edge to them; couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Makar writes catchy pop-rock songs that could be mistaken for T-Rex writing folk-rock numbers. Good stuff.

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
Smother
J-Sin
7/24/2005 - www.Smother.Net

"MAKAR's music is strangely normal. They play their instruments like they were in a punk band...but the music they are playing is very classic sixties rock. The result is a feel somewhere in-between the Sex Pistols and Lovin' Spoonful."

"Makar's Lyrics are wonderful. Simply put I find myself addicted to them. A song like "Lost Voices" doesn't come along every day, nor a musing like "The Country Song."

"The vocalist duet is right out of Belle & Sebastian, except the man's voice is deeper. This makes for a nice contrast. Both voices carry the sort of inner humor that allows them to make serious lyrics fun."

"The bands sound takes some getting used to and the first song will most likely scare you away, but if you listen to this CD a couple of times you will start to notice that there is some real genius behind the lyrics and the sound."

Review of Makar's debut album, 99 Cent Dreams
CDBabel
E Jeff Einowski
6/29/05 - CDBabel

New York City has done it again. Take a bow, because everything good just seems to gravitate towards the Big Apple. Makar’s imaginatively titled, 99 Cent Dreams, is one of those things. With a band name that means poet in 15th-century Scotland, their sound is described as “poet-pop-art-rock.” The band was given birth by band members Mark Purnell and his wife Andrea DeAngelis, both of whom write the lyrics and sing. [Dan Coates] rocks the bass and Jorge Arias seduces with percussion. The four make beautifully interwoven songs together.

As I listen to their songs on my beat up Discman, I feel as though I have gone through a series of flashbacks and have crash landed on the TV show, The Monkees. Zany, I know. Maybe it’s just because one of their songs is titled The Monkey? I have a strange thinking process. Yet, what makes their music so huggable? Their live CD was taken from a show at CBGB’s Gallery, and amidst the random clappings, it made me want to dance. With their crazy, switching time signatures, it’s one of those red light, green light dances, where at one point the music sways, and the next moment you realize your feet are tingling. I was especially impressed, because the songs were not professionally mixed or mastered. The tracks “Damion Day” and “I Hate My Job” are recommended for good times.

Their 18-song, full length debut is due out this summer, including the songs “I Hate My Job,” “The Monkey” and “All I Know.”

-Debbie Kang
7/26/04
http://www.leftoffthedial.com/Makar_99centRough.htm - Left Off The Dial