As a follow up to his earlier alternative works, such as “Rock and Roll Night Club” and “2,” Mac Demarco (born Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV) takes a different route with his most recent release. “This Old Dog” is his first indie rock album, establishing a new sound for the 27-year-old singer/songwriter.
Throughout the entire LP, Demarco references the fleeting aspect of age. The first track on the album, “My Old Man” talks about his fear of growing old and turning into his father.
“Uh-oh, looks like / I’m seeing more of my old man in me / Oh no, looks like / I’m seeing more of my old man in me”.
The frequently repeated chorus shows his hesitance in the transition to becoming someone who is described as “old and cold and tired and lonely." Yet, the lyrics are contradicted by Demarco’s soothing voice, accompanied by the calm strumming of the guitar in the background.
This theme of age is also mentioned in the album’s first single, “This Old Dog”. Demarco sings of his inability to maintain his love, yet able to still remember regardless. “Often a heart tends to change its mind / A new day decides on a new design / A new day gets set on another way”. The world around him is ever-changing, including his own uncontrollable emotions and feelings. Yet, so long as he is alive, he will always remember the love that he once had.
“One More Love Song” acknowledges the numerous amounts of love songs that artists have put out. Demarco, though, is able to add his own twist to it. He sings of the dark side to a reunited love, where even the second attempt is never easier.
“Is one more love out to break your heart / Set it up just to watch it fall apart / One more love out to break your heart / Set it up just to watch it fall apart”.
Demarco’s soft ballad is accompanied by the ultimate pop song quartet ensemble – keyboard, electric guitar, bass, and drums. Yet, he is still able to maintain his 80’s rock-inspired sound throughout, reminding listeners of his unchallengeable talent as an artist and songwriter.
“This Old Dog” is unquestionably Demarco’s finest work, easily taking the throne as this month’s best album released. His two-year hiatus is certainly not disappointing, providing listeners enough material to process through until his next indefinite project.
