Album Review: ‘Guitar’ by Mac DeMarco

One of Edmonton’s most beloved artists, Mac DeMarco, is set to release his upcoming record, Guitar, on August 22. With two pre-release singles out, the record’s full release is to bring ten new tracks for fans to throw on the player. 

In a press release, DeMarco said “I did everything alone, except for the mastering. That was done by David Ives.” Ives has mastered for DeMarco before, mastering his 2017 hit record, This Old Dog. 

As for the music videos, artwork, and mixing, DeMarco said in the same release that those were done by him. The record, he says, is an attempt at “a true representation of where [he’s] at in [his] life today.” 

The record’s first two tracks, while they don’t flow in between, are seemingly together. “Shining,” has DeMarco pondering whether he can be in love with wandering eyes, wishing he was able to focus on one person. “Sweeter,” has him recollecting a heartbreak. He begs for another attempt at the relationship. He proclaims that, this time, it’ll be sweeter, and that he will be too.

These songs are pretty, but lyrically sad. To the ear, they could be songs of requited and confident love, but to the head, they pair to be unromantic stories of the want for control.

“Phantom” is melancholic, reflective, and honest. The guitar’s little rises and dips in the chorus alongside DeMarco’s deepening of his voice make the chorus unforgettable. The track runs for just under two minutes, and even if it only repeated, I wish it was longer. 

Track four, “Nightmare,” has DeMarco talking to his younger self, giving some advice. DeMarco sings beautifully high and brings back a classic DeMarco characteristic of his past: the cigarette. The song as a whole is thoughtful and beautiful. The instrumentation isn’t too notable, but the vocals outweigh them in a way that lifts the song to being one of the best on the record. 

DeMarco telling his past self to get armed with a cigarette in preparation for the future is likely one of the most him things he could be known to do.

“Terror” is self loathing on a bouncing instrumental. DeMarco sings about wandering, the instrumental matching the rhythm of steps. He confesses his fear of death, he comes to terms with avoidance, and he feels he can’t escape a destructive nature. While this song isn’t a personal favourite, I can appreciate the well written lyrics and skillful vocals.

“Rock and Roll,” is a nod to his first record, Rock and Roll Night Club. He claims that, despite being overjoyed, he can’t stop feeling a sense of sadness. The song seems to be a look back at the beginning of his career. And the instrumentation sounds more like his earlier work as well. The classic wobbling, slow recorded and sped up guitar sound is back. And the long solo on this track is great, and very reminiscent of that first release.

Track seven, “Home,” is one of the record’s pre-release singles. It is DeMarco grappling with the loss of a place he once knew, but also not wanting to go back even if he could. With the music video showing Canadian geese and DeMarco rowing in a canoe wearing an Oilers cap, I can’t help but feel that home is Canada, or possibly Edmonton. And if it is, no one knows what it’s like to leave and stay away from home more than an Edmontonian in the music industry. 

“Nothing At All,” has a responding lead part over a somber rhythm with DeMarco contemplating how big the little things can be. His vocals on this, like the rest of the record, are beautiful. The track, I would argue is about his attaining sobriety, and the struggles that come with.

“Punishment” has DeMarco signing off on all his belongings, only wishing to keep his soul. The responsive lead part on the chorus is one of my favourites, walking up as he considers himself deserving of the loss of anything worldly. And it’s spaghetti western tone makes DeMarco’s willingness to give his all heroically sacrificial. There’s a more neutral feeling, where the bit of uplifting guitar is grounded and levelled by the lyrics. 

Track ten, “Knockin,” is a repeating instrumental under DeMarco detailing the things that eat at him. It’s short, quick chorus slips in, easy to miss, and the lyrics match the instrumental in repetition. While what’s “knockin,” changes, that’s all. This song is the weakest on the record, but still has its place on it.

“Holy,” is the record’s other pre-release single. Mostly instrumental, the song is quick and to the point. DeMarco, calling for a miracle, lets the instrumental carry the track to bring feelings of contemplation. The track isn’t anything to write home about, but it isn’t one to skip either. 

The last track on the record, “Rooster,” is a hypnotizing attempt to manipulate someone to come back. The track as a whole, is haunting and intimidating. DeMarco’s using this to send off the record seems to be saying that, despite his self-awareness and reflection, he doesn’t feel he is someone to be trusted.

Guitar is DeMarco confessing, reflecting, and regretting. Narratively, the record is great, but lacks instrumentally, they only really accompany the lyrics. But with the record being stripped down to basics to have the lyrics highlighted, that’s the point.

While DeMarco set out to tell his audience where he’s at, his looking back on who he was to say who he is now has more so detailed who he’s always been. And while it’s through song and dance, it’s on his terms. He’s looking to free himself of his burdening past more and he isn’t looking to dress it up.

Guitar is great. There is absolutely nothing more human or real than someone looking back on a life lived, and while DeMarco is barely in the middle of what should be his time around, his honest look back makes for a definite favourite of 2025 releases so far.

The record is set to release on August 22, with a tour to follow. When DeMarco visits your city, ask him if he’s okay.