Track By Track: Makari – Elegies
After looking up the definition of “elegies,” the title of progressive rock band Markari’s newest EP really begins to sink in. An elegy, according to Wikipedia, is a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. So without even hearing a note from the Tampa-based band’s fall release, there’s already a dark cloud looming overhead. But between the darkness and serious tones of the album (which are explained more in depth below), there are moments of light that come in the form of lead singer Spencer Pearson’s voice, which cut through the instrumentation like a knife to a blade of grass.
Elegies, which was recorded and mixed with Paul Hundeby and mastered by Emily Lazar (Sia, Circa Survive, Foo Fighters), brings new life to Makari–also consisting of guitarist Eric Stewart, guitarist Matt Beljan, bassist John Tomasso and drummer Kevin Beljan. Though the band has ben around since 2012, Elegies is their first release with Pearson leading on vocals.
We recently caught up with Pearson to find out more about the story behind each song. Check it out and stream the EP below!
Melt
This song is about loving/missing someone deeply. The title is meant to be a nod to the cliché of having someone in your life that “melts your heart,” while also portraying the flipside, when that person is out of your life, leaving you in a puddle on the floor (so to speak). “Melt” is about wanting the person you love to be happy wherever they are no matter what and hoping that when/if you see them again, time hasn’t changed them into someone you no longer recognize.
Not Enough
“Not Enough” is about the loss of my father. It is an attempt to illustrate the awful and surreal feelings I had to deal with in the wake of his death– the seemingly infinite emptiness, the anxiety, the existential dread. The title of the song, which is used throughout the chorus, conveys the core theme: it’s not enough to know he loved me, it’s not enough to think he may be at peace, it’s not enough to know he’s no longer suffering. For me, the silver linings don’t work; there is only an emptiness that will never be filled up.
Wake Up
In “Wake Up,” I use the metaphor of a space shuttle crashing to earth to further explore/explain how I feel about losing my father. The metaphor allows me to create a more vivid and easy to recognize narrative while also staying true to the emotions behind it. To me, watching someone you love die feels very much like a horrible accident with all the moments leading to it and all the wreckage afterwards. The song is literally, and figuratively, about me wanting to wake my father up.
Afterglow
“Afterglow” is about the death of romantic feelings for someone. It is about the cessation of that honeymoon period in relationships where everything is exciting and beautiful and eager. The song is an account of falling out of love with the light we recognize in others, the light we endlessly pursue. The song is an exploration into the difficulties of being depressed and trying to have meaningful romantic relationships– how you can sabotage yourself, become numb and be quick to dismiss feelings out of fear of being hurt.
Blossom
“Blossom” is about how one has to work tirelessly to maintain their relationships and achieve their dreams. It’s about how, at times, the things you hope to achieve can seem to be slipping away, or cause you to have mixed feelings. In the end, the song is about continuing to fight for your dreams and working through all the difficulties that arise on the way because that is what sets you free and makes you happy. “Blossom” is about me joining the band at a tumultuous time for everyone; it is about our new beginning and our journey.
