Makari is one of those bands that, if you know them, you can't help but love almost every single song they release. From "Melt" to "Transient" to "Gold Palace Kingdom," each EP or album or single they have put out has the ability to transport you through time and space into a unique world of ambience and raw energy, truly lifting your soul into the ether.
Makari was formed in 2011 in Orlando, Florida, by guitarists Matt Beljan and Eric Stewart, and currently consists of the founding members plus bassist John Tomasso, drummer Kevin Beljan, and vocalist Andy Cizek. They have released 8 EPs and 2 full length albums so far.
On August 22, 2025, they released their much anticipated Alternate EP 2 — a beautifully crafted, magnificent collection of acoustic versions of songs from their Continuum EP and their latest album, Wave Machine.
The first track off Alternate EP 2, "Eternity Leave (Acoustic)," is a beautiful reworking of the original song with breathtaking harmonies and additional details in the vocals that give you chills. The lyrics are a lot more clear (though they are also very clear in the original "Eternity Leave") and they truly sound like they're coming from the very heart and soul of the band.
The second track, "Breakers (Acoustic)," is a more intimate version of the original song, featuring elements that truly make the song soft and haunting as opposed to the original version. The experience is definitely worth the blood, sweat, and tears that I'm sure the band has put into it.
"Gold Palace Kingdom" was already my favorite song off Wave Machine as a whole, and the alternate acoustic version just made it have an even more special place in my heart. The acoustic version is ten times more expressive and evocative, and it transforms the lyrics in a way that really tugs at your heartstrings and makes you want to sing along as loud as you possibly can. A truly masterful and emotional makeover of the original song.
Track 4 is "Closer (Acoustic)." I can say with confidence that I liked the acoustic version of this track more than the original. The clarity, the vocals, the details, and the hope that flows within the acoustic version is simply not comparable to the original song, even though that was also a solid track.
"Labyrinth" has been one of my favorite songs of all time ever since it came out. The acoustic version had that nostalgia factor almost all of us chase like a high these days. It's like it refreshed the song in my head and now I can listen to it for another thousand times as if it's completely new. I am ecstatic that they decided to release this acoustic version. Forever thankful.
The next track, "Mend (Acoustic)," broke my heart anew in the same way the original had when it was released. It's a gut-wrenching song in the sense that the lyrics are absolutely visceral and shake you to the core. The longing, and the heartbroken hope that is slowly dying but brings with it a sense of relief and release, it really gets to you on another level with the acoustic version.
Last but not least, "And Now We Sleep In Endless Ocean (Acoustic)," is a perfect ending for the heartwarming remake that is Alternate EP 2. The original track is also on the softer side of Makari's discography, but the acoustic version is just that much more intimate and personal. A fitting end to an EP that is all about revamping emotions in a way that will fall on your spirit and soul like a glittering snowfall.
Alternate EP 2 is now available on all platforms. Please do experience it yourself by giving it a listen. There are surprises for all fans old and new, and if you've never heard of Makari before, I urge you to check them out!
Makari - Alternate EP 2 on Spotify!
