12 Artists Offer Their Reviews of Mac DeMarco’s Latest Album

DeMarco’s most recent album, Guitar, marks a departure from his previous entirely instrumental effort, Five Easy Hot Dogs, by reintroducing his vocal presence. The title itself suggests a continued focus on stripped-back instrumentals, with DeMarco offering sparse and meditative reflections on home, aging, and self-discovery.

In a music industry dominated by excess, DeMarco’s DIY, bare-bones, and honest approach stands out as truly inspiring. To celebrate his return, a panel of 12 Canadian artists was consulted to provide a track-by-track review of the album.

Purity Ring praises the opening track, “Shining,” for DeMarco’s timeless charm and analog sound. Penny and the Pits reflect on the simplicity and poignant undertones of “Sweeter,” noting its ability to evoke memories of past relationships. La Sécurité describes “Phantom” as a bittersweet tune that lingers, highlighting DeMarco’s genuine and polished sound. Georgia Harmer delves into the dream-like quality of “Nightmare,” emphasizing the eerie essence found in its subtle imperfections.

TOPS explores the dark themes in “Terror” while Alex Little reminisces on DeMarco’s early years in Vancouver and the haunting beauty of “Rock And Roll.” Dan Mangan praises the mature songwriting in “Home,” drawing parallels to John Lennon’s solo work, highlighting the melancholic nostalgia embedded in the track. Braden Lam contemplates the introspective nature of “Nothing At All,” appreciating DeMarco’s ability to evoke deep emotions with simplicity.

Overall, DeMarco’s return to vocal-driven compositions in Guitar showcases his growth as a musician while maintaining the raw, authentic quality that fans have come to love. Each track on the album offers a unique glimpse into DeMarco’s introspective and reflective mind, further solidifying his position as a prolific and innovative artist in the indie music scene.