Demarco, 29, explores mockery and "jizz jazz" once again throughout his new, hazy record. 7.3/10
Mac Demarco released his sixth full length studio album on May 10th, bringing fans a whole new set of laid back, hazy melodies. The first record to be released on his independent record label Mac’s Record Label, the album Here Comes the Cowboy is like a mellow gold inspired Western songbook. Throughout the record, fans hear the stories of a cowboy who dreams of city lights, days spent roaming the West, and a cowgirl who might be willing to watch some TV with her pursuer. The album brings a fresh take on Mac’s normal vibe, with Demarco exploring some different tones throughout the record while staying very true to his signature (and extremely recognizable) vibe and sound that his fans adore.
Nobody is a pretty piece that has the potential to really resonate with listeners. A unique, slow burning take on a classic California stoner jam, the track’s desolate, plunky feel is complimented by the use of steady trombone tones and prickly guitars. The song is actually about Mac’s fame and other prominent media personalities in general. Accompanied by a thought provoking music video where Demarco appears as a lizard smoking a cigar that goes hand in hand with the song that refers to celebrities he sees on television (and himself) as “creatures”.
Choo Choo is one of the quirkier tunes on the record, and sounds like a funk track that is intended as a transition between songs. With a simple set of lyrics, the song focuses more on the spirally guitar throughout the track and the actual train whistle. However the song comes across as a joke, and knowing Mac, it probably was meant to be some sort of gag. With its ridiculous lyrics, one can’t quite tell if Choo Choo is meant to be a children’s song or not.
A highlight on the record is Baby Bye Bye. The 7 and a half minute funk strut that will work its way into your heart with its mopey story about loss and love. The various stripped down chorus breaks show Mac’s raw side and draw emphasis on the twangy background guitar tones. The gradual buildup and layering throughout the track creates an ultimate sensation and proves that while Mac’s been around for a little while, he’s a real innovator. Not to mention, the epic peek into Mac’s mind and how brilliantly weird he when Mac full out breaks into hollering “yee haws” in the latter half of the song.
Demarco takes his time throughout the record, and it’s clear that he’s in no hurry to rush. The slow, laid back album fits with Demarco’s previous discography while still managing to bring a little something new. The album is a tad sleepy at times, like in the dragging Little Dogs March. And while the album is not groundbreaking as some parts sound like the B-side of any other Mac record, there’s something charming about it. Perhaps it’s the quirky song titles or the simple yet intriguing album cover, anything Demarco does is guaranteed to be nothing short of creative, and this record is no exception. The record sounds like it was both laboured over yet quickly recorded, however the rawness of his earlier albums such as in 2 or Salad Days is nearly nonexistent. With his previous record This Old Dog, Mac explored his complex relationship with his druken Dad, surprising fans with a newly exposed sensitive side. Leaving the deep themes to the previous album, Here Comes the Cowboy sounds a little like some of Mac’s demo records with the simplistic themes it touches on.
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