Review Summary: Strange feelings in your chest..
The simplicity of Mac DeMarco’s music bears a unique and sincere quality. It sits just below surface level, not meriting deep examination, but rather inviting the listener to coast along on the waves of Mac’s indulgences.
Another One finds Mac still well inside his jangle pop comfort zone, stepping outside for subtle experimentation only in the realm of instrumentation. The warped sounds of Mac’s synthesizer have become a centerpiece, more subdued and melodic than the pulsating heights of
Salad Days’ ‘Passing Out Pieces’. The jangly jazz guitar is an obvious staple of Mac’s music thus far, but this time leans towards a slightly more polished sound. These components blend most effectively on the highlight ‘A Heart Like Hers,’ which also utilizes a familiar falsetto chorus with strong doubled vocals. Mac’s simple drum beats naturally take a comfortable backseat, allowing for a more relaxed listening experience.
For an EP,
Another One is surprisingly cohesive, apart from the tightly woven palm-muted riff of ‘I’ve Been Waiting For Her,’ which seems to contrast with the effort’s generally laid back nature. Lyrically, Mac takes the role of an onlooker, whimsically tackling themes such as longing and infidelity. This serves as a breather of sorts from the personal nature of
Salad Days, and sacrifices some sincerity in order to avoid being too emotionally heavy-handed.
Another One is a straightforward and concise collection of love songs, and does not miss the mark in its intent.
