Mac DeMarco | Another One

By Carlos Lima-Lopez

Mac DeMarco’s new album, Another One, is one of the more interesting and funky takes on failed love and heartbreak I have heard this year. Both Thundercat and Tame Impala tackle the subject with such intensity and loss. I have cried to both their approaches. When Mac decides to take a swing at it he’s a little more laid-back and frothy, kind of like having an ice cream milkshake after a break up, and although the breakup hurts, you feel really good having this milkshake.

I only just started getting into Mac DeMarco this year, and I really like what he is doing with his music. It’s chill, laid-back and often feels serene. He’s a great guitar player, pulling some unique licks and grooves to accompany his tunes. He also has a quirky sense of humor; he has a song “dedicated” to a Canadian cigarette brand, although he has spoken out on his disdain for that brand.

Now here he is, singing on the multi-faceted aspects of love, and completely winning in the process. It sounds occasionally sad; even when he’s in a relaxed mood, he can come across angry in “A Heart Like Hers”, where he sincerely hopes he never comes another girl like his former lover. “Just To Put Me Down”  is a happy and jovial where Mac completely resents the woman that kept putting him down.

Then there’s “I’ve Been Waiting For Her”, which is the optimistic. It’s that song where Mac will do anything for the love of his life. The final song, “Without Me”, sounds more like a realistic, peaceful resignation than defeat. Mac is aware the relationship has run its course, but sincerely hopes his former love can be happy.

Not too long ago, Tame Impala released Currents, an album that also dealt with life after a failed relationship. That one dealt with all the confusing aspects of your persona during lovesickness. Kevin Parker really had the hardest time moving on, changing to someone new, and was often filled with either hope or deep regret. Currents, to me, was something I related to. I often found myself hopeful that I was able to move on; when I felt that I was moving on too quickly, it made me feel uncomfortable and sad.

Another One, on the other hand, is more joyful. Mac DeMarco has written an album for anyone to take something from it, whether they want to move on from love or hope to feel it. Love is serious business; no matter how you decide to deconstruct and analyze it, at the very core of it, love is an intense roller coaster of a ride.

The last song on the album, “My House On The Water”, has Mac giving out his address in NYC. His reasoning is simple; he wants someone to join for a round of coffee. With the weather getting a little cooler, I’ll take him up on that offer.