On Aug. 22, Mac DeMarco released his sixth full-length studio album, “Guitar.” An intimate and introspective record, it follows the notoriously well-loved and laid-back style that his renowned album “Salad days” held as it propelled him into the limelight. Largely inspired by his admiration for artists like The Beatles and John Lennon, the album is a sentimental piece of work for DeMarco. Written and recorded in Nov. 2024 at his Los Angeles home, after recording, mixing and producing the albums himself, the 12 tracks were born.
Once an underground “niche” artist, DeMarco played in multiple bands throughout high school, and after graduating in 2008, he began writing and recording music independently. The young indie artist captivated his audience with his signature crooning vocals and dreamy melodies. Now, DeMarco’s music is widely popular with hits like “Chamber of Reflection” and “Moonlight on the River” with poignant lyrics that stir both sorrow and joy.
The first track of the album, “Shining,” carries a familiar mellow tone fans have come to call home, with a beautiful simplicity that intertwines within the instrumental. “Shining” is romantic and personal as DeMarco sings about “a wandering heart,” with a closer listen, the message can be broadened as it touches on appreciation for the present moment and a finding a sense of peace amongst life’s uncertainties.
Following “Shining” are “Sweeter” and “Phantom,” tracks that share such a similar sound that they blend together as if they are one. “Sweeter,” the more loved of the two, explores the pain of a past toxic love, as well as hopeful aspirations, and the heartache that accompanies them. With soft guitar strums and a subdued undertone of drums, “Phantom,” conveys the ache of a past lover.
“Nightmare” serves as a reflection for DeMarco, as his lyrics delve into the world of regret and lingering consequences. The song directly connects to his past smoking addiction: “smoke the whole pack, there’s no turning back from this one.” Throughout this song, he also touches on the guilt of having a partner that stays by your side, even through your bad habits.
Aligning with “Nightmare,” “Terror,” also delves into themes of regret and holds a darker undertone, both musically and lyrically. A true poet that highlights a sort of depressing yet intriguing sense of self, he refers to himself as a “wandering terror” and “a leech onto your heart, ” DeMarco is an open book as he addresses an overarching ideal of his “terror” of mortality.
Vulnerably continuing, “Rock and Roll” explores raw emotion that embodies the album’s struggle to find hope amidst life’s difficulties, “overjoyed But still can’t help feeling down,” his voice rich and powerful.
A nostalgic and sentimental feeling to “Home,” provides a look into memories past and a comforting nostalgia. Resonating with many, “Home” is the most listened to album with over four million streams on Spotify. DeMarco uses an internal metaphor to portray the physical idea of home between the soothing layers of acoustic guitar. “Nothing at All, ” a song that exemplifies the idea of less is more, depicts the polarizing nature of a hot and cold relationship.
“Punishment” takes a more morbid approach that is stylistic and creative, really giving listeners a piece of DeMarco’s mind. With lyrics like “take all my blood out and bottle it up,” he uses a series of meaningful analogies that coincide with the melancholic tone of the entire album. He sings about seeking purpose in a confusing world and the bitterness that comes along with it. He also includes his perspective of the conceptual theme of “karma,” and how it plays a role in finding one’s purpose.
Nearing the end of the album, “Knockin” illustrates a metaphorical rendition of unresolved memories, resurfacing decisions and the fear of adversity brought by truths. “Holy” is slow and spiritual, and DeMarco’s vocal delivery is hushed as he sings in a lower key. Finishing off the album, “Rooster” is a fitting conclusion, the ballad plays a jangly guitar and proposes an overarching reflection: if you are with the one you love, nothing else matters.
DeMarco’s work is conveyed in a way that sounds conversational; although his vocals are minimal, they are intentional. There’s something so undefinably poetic about his playful choice of strumming that some might call “messy,” as it often sounds like he is chasing a melody. This ununiform stylistic manner in which he creates is what makes him stand out from the crowd. This album was really a mature approach for DeMarco as the frankness and diaristic tone of the album gave listeners a candid look at what he described as “exactly what’s going on in my life right now.”
Rating: 4/5
