Salad Days
Genre:
Indie Rock
Members:
Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV (Mac DeMarco)
And Pierce, Pete and Joey
I love how nonchalant Mac DeMarco and his band members are. Whether its in an interview, playing live or in the studio, it just seems like they don't give many fucks (excuse my language, but I felt that was necessary). They have a very free and happy mentality towards life. This fun and upbeat attitude is reflected in their songs. Because not many people know this good-old-Canadian band, I would suggest looking at both 2 (their second album) and Salad Days, which was just released. Their first album is under another band name, Makeout Videotape, but it doesn't really have the Mac vibe.
Anywho, let's get started. The lead guitar has such a warm and crisp sound, like as if the guitarist's finger sweat was mixing with the strings' oils to form unicorn tears. It is such a beautiful and magical sound. I would have to say that since this is such a distinct sound, a lot of the songs tend to sound a little similar at times. The bass is tender and smooth. It carries its own melody and doesn't just copy the rhythm guitar. The bass is walking up and down and its really fun to try and isolate that sound in your head. The drums are kept subtle, but it keeps every song in check. I'm not discounting the drummer - you would be nowhere without a skilled drummer. That is fact.
Mac's vocals never seem to disappoint. His raw and emotional lyrics are so organic and natural. On his album 2, he tends to lash out a little bit more and shout, but he keeps it pretty low-key on Salad Days. It almost seems as if he has matured just a tad! I did like how he used his range more in 2, though. I'm still pretty undecided which album I like better. They are both fantastic LPs.
Mac has crazy, sporadic and upbeat songs, but he also has very nice acoustic songs. In 2, "Still Together" was a phenomenal way of ending off his album. In Salad Days, "Let My Baby Stay" and "Treat Her Better" are mixed into the album almost as if the album needed to take a breather from the more upbeat songs.
Its amazing how many sounds Mac has. He goes from that indie rock feel to the acoustic vibe and suddenly just blasts you away with his psychedelic songs. "Passing Out Pieces" begins with a very Beatles-esque foghorn intro. Then "Chamber of Reflection" feels like it could have been on Tame Impala's last album, Lonerism. If you don't know Tame Impala, get on it! And what a way to end Salad Days with "Jonny's Odyssey", an amazing instrumental, that makes you feel you like you are joining Jonny on his journey. I hope you enjoy Mac's LP, Salad Days, as much I am enjoying it this second!
Favourite Songs:
Blue Boy
Brother
Passing Out Pieces
Chamber of Reflection
Jonny's Odyssey
Great live performance. Most of his songs from 2 are featured:
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