The Many Faces of Mac DeMarco: ACL Taping + Mohawk Show (2/27+28)

Mac DeMarco has become a household name in the indie rock world– synonymous with silly antics and overall shenanigans he’s done quite well for himself by gaining a cult following. The folks over at ACL got word and decided to have him and his band on to tape an episode for the upcoming season. Mac decided to take this opportunity to dial down the antics and rock’n’roll to generate a more approachable sound for the setting. Not to worry–his victory lap show at the Mohawk brought all that you’d expect from the gentleman; a nearly three hour set with crowd surfing, stage climbing and chaos. Read on to hear my brief thoughts on these two very different evenings and see some lovely photos from the taping from Maggie Boyd.

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Really Enjoying This New Walter TV Tune

I didn’t want to like this; I have some weird grudge against the constant Mac DeMarco hype, and members of Walter TV play with said artist. That being said, this tune grabbed me almost immediately, pushing forward with this rolling groove that almost indicated a surf rock jam was coming. But, instead, they take that energy and give it some dreamy vocals to dance atop the mix. It’s hooks grab you quick, which is great, as the song barely lasts beyond the 2 minute mark. Fan of swelling pop? Look for Carpe Diem on August 4th via Sinderlyn.

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Another Track from Pure Moods

PURE_MOODS-BLooks like we’ll be spending some time over in Australia today, as we first ran a Lower Plenty track, and now we’re here with this Pure Moods hit. I’ve really taken to the band’s approach; they seem to take the pages from the Mac Demarco notebook and slow it all down…like the DJ Screw of indie rock. There’s a nice meandering bit of guitar jamming out right after the 2 minute mark, but even that has a subdued wash to it. To me, this is chillwave, but with instruments! Looking forward to the group’s debut self-titled album, out November 4th via Deaf Ambitions.

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Hear This Dark Building Track From Alex Cameron

alex cameronWhen I first hit play on this track from Alex Cameron‘s newest video for the track, “Take Care of Business,” I’ll admit that it took me a bit of time before I could really get into this minimalistic approach to dark pop. It’s a definite grower of a song, so you’ll need to have patience when you listen to this one, and make sure you hold on to the end, where the instrumentation picks up, and the sinister vocal growl of Cameron really becomes a croon. He’s releasing his Secretly Canadian debut later this year calledJumping The Shark, and his hitting the road with the likes of big names like Angel Olsen and Mac Demarco, so you should probably keep your ears peeled for more from this gentleman. Watch the video below.

 

 

 

 

Show Review: Mac Demarco @ Stubbs (10.20)

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetExpectations were quite high for Tuesday night at Stubbs. Riding high off the release of Another One, Mac Demarco and company came to a sold out venue to share the new tunes as well as jam out some of the old. Playing to quite the young crowd, though one who has probably seen the band in some capacity—over the past year, Mac has played not only one, but two of Austin’s festivals. For those who have seen Demarco’s live act, the night was quite predictable, but nevertheless enjoyable. Read on for my full recap.

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Show Preview: Mac Demarco @ Stubbs (10.20)

105346_lgYou heard right, King Mac Demarco is coming to town this Tuesday night and you’ll be a fool to miss him. Now Mac and company are a special group, bringing you not only their jangly off kilter stoner pop, but adding that extra element of shenanigans in the live setting. These antics never fail to bring a smile to my face, nor do they take away at all from the tunes that the band plays. They’re supporting Mac’s newest release, Another One, and they’ve got Alex Calder as well as Demarco’s other band, Walter TV, to open up the night with their guitar driven and weird pop tunes respectively. While advance GA tickets are sold out, there still seems to be some VIP tickets up for grabs over here at the Stubbs website.  Check out a few tracks from the bands below and get scrambling to find yourself some tickets if you don’t already have some; it’s gonna be a night to remember.

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Mac DeMarco Strikes Again

unnamed (2)Yesterday, I saw King Mac DeMarco at Levitation, and while that was probably one of the most joyful hours in my recent life, I was feeling a little bit of post-demarco-depression this morning when I woke up. That is, until I saw this new single from Mac Daddy, which put me back in a sunny place. This track, “The Way You’d Love Her,” is a subtle track off of the new mini LP, Another One, which is out August 7th from Captured Tracks. While I’m a fan of almost anything this zany character puts out, I’m really digging the soft vocal delivery here and almost a touch of genuine sentimentality from Mac and company. Take a listen and groove along.

 

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Top 50 Albums of 2014

TOP 50 ALB 14These lists are everywhere, so you’ll be excused if you just roll your eyes and skip on. But, that being said, we always seem to be way off the mark when it comes to our Top 50 Albums of the Year.  Sure, we have some of the sure fire hits on this list like Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten, but don’t even read on if you’re look ing to see where Run the Jewels made it…they’re not there. Sorry not sorry.  So, if you’re into arbitrary lists by people who like to push their own agenda, then this list is for you! Read more

New Music from Alex Calder

alexUsually, you throw around the words Mac DeMarco collaborator and you’ll have hordes of instant fans.  But, while I can easily see myself jumping in that group without hesitancy, it’s nice to know that the music of Mac’s friend Alex Calder is actually backing up my rush to judgement.  He’s got a brand new record (his second) coming out on Captured Tracks, and this first single is quite the listen. It starts off seemingly paying homage to some Oceanic guitar vibes, then cools it down with a darkened vocal drawl that works over some angular guitar bits…then joyously erupts during the chorus.  DeMarco or not, this is just a good song; look for Alex’s album, Strange Dreams next January.

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