Mac DeMarco’s 3rd album successfully mixes his familiar style with new ideas

Mac DeMacro- “Salad Days” 8 out of 10 

By James Lee ’16
THE ROUNDUP 

Canadian musician Mac DeMarco’s third full length album, “Salad Days,” dropped April 1.

For any of DeMarco’s previous records, a release on April Fools’ Day would seem fitting.

His earlier albums, “2” and “Rock and Roll Night Club,” often walked the line between hilarity and creepiness, with serious ideas typically lurking underneath.

But with this new LP, DeMarco has (mostly) grown up, and he has no problem talking about it.

The first line on the album discusses growing older, immediately letting the listener know what they’re in for.

The third track, “Brother,” calls back to DeMarco’s earlier days, with psychedelic guitars and a foot-tapping chorus.

The driving bass line and light guitars of “Let Her Go” make for a nice listen, and “Goodbye Weekend“ feels like a blues tune while still overflowing with DeMarco’s distinct style.

“Let My Baby Stay” is the simplest song on this album, featuring only DeMarco’s voice, a pair of acoustic guitars and a quiet woodblock.

The tune acts like a 70’s rock band’s attempt at a quiet song, and it really works within the context of this record.

The next track, “Passing Out Pieces,” functions as the centerpiece of “Salad Days.” The start of this song jumps out at you and forces you to listen, while adding exciting new layers during the chorus.

The real standout of this album, though, is “Treat Her Better.” The harmonies and effect-filled guitars work as contrast to the rather serious lyrics of abuse.

The hard-hitting drums of the opening of “Chamber of Reflection” sound like it could be the start of a single from the Arctic Monkeys’s latest album, but it grows into something unlike any of DeMarco’s past releases.

The simple lyrics tell a tale of loneliness and really work well with the synth-driven melody.

The closer, ”Jonny’s Odyssey,” is an instrumental that brings all of the best elements from “Salad Days” together. After about 20 seconds of silence, DeMarco says thank you and promises that he’ll be back soon.

Mac DeMarco’s brand of psychedelic indie rock still works, and seems to only be getting better. And at only 34 minutes, “Salad Days” is a very easy listen earning it an 8 out of 10.