SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: MAC DeMARCO – GUITAR

MAC DeMARCO
GUITAR
MAC’S RECORD LABEL/ROYAL MOUNTAIN RECORDS

Mac DeMarco’s Guitar feels like a natural extension of the sound he’s been cultivating over the past few years. At this stage in his career, his sonic identity is well-defined: fluid guitar work paired with steady drum progressions that stop short of drifting into ambient territory. On this record, however, DeMarco experiments with his vocal range, softening certain tracks more than others, most notably on the opener “Shining” and the mellow “Nothing At All.”

Songs like “Sweeter” and “Phantom” nod back to Salad Days, echoing its lower vocal range, while the standout “Home” sets a more introspective mood, where a sharp guitar line creates surprising depth and resonance. Just by mentioning a few songs, it’s clear that DeMarco continues along a familiar sonic thread. This new project, once again, recalls the soundscape of Salad Days, while lyrically it captures the intimacy and sincerity of “Heart to Heart”. In this sense, Guitar fits neatly within DeMarco’s discography, perhaps a little too neatly. Yet it is something that has become average in his musical career. There’s no doubt about his musical talent and well-constructed production, but this record struggles to bring anything truly new to the table.

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