In one of the most in-demand shows of the year, Canadian indie-artist Mac DeMarco will grace the stage of Vicar St tonight. On tour following his universally praised third album This Old Dog, DeMarco brings his endearing, no-problems charm to the stage in Dublin for what is sure to be a great performance for his Dublin-based fans.
Releasing his debut, 2, in 2012, followed by 2014’s Salad Days, DeMarco’s rise to fame is perfectly justifiable – a relaxed, yet melodically striking, style makes DeMarco an easy listen, while totally engaging. Sunday morning brunch or stuck in the library at half past midnight, DeMarco’s music never really feels that out of place. Laid all the way back, DeMarco’s music feels like the comfiest chair in the cafe.
Taking some time out after moves to New York and California, the anticipation for This Old Dog grew ever more when the news of a supporting tour was bringing the singer-songwriter to Dublin. One of the stand-out releases of 2017, the show on the back of the album sold out almost instantly. A few years on since his performance at Electric Picnic, Irish-based fans are evidently excited by DeMarco’s return. Tapping into the lazy-yet-focused ideal that has been popular in music since contemporary music was a thing, DeMarco is the latest in the long line of artists that are adored by the youth of the day but will pass by those who aren’t keeping an ear out for what’s new.
This stylistic musical relaxation continues in This Old Dog. Lo-fi and dreamy, the album almost seems to have fallen together by chance, but with such cohesive ideas that the creative process couldn’t have been anything less than laser focused. It takes a lot of work to make music this fun and exciting, but relaxed at the same time. It’s DeMarco’s calling card.
Having played Rock en Seine, Sziget and other festivals alongside his headline tour, expect DeMarco to impress his dedicated fans, as well as woo any of the unconverted lucky enough to get a ticket, with his laid-back charisma and honest charm. This is a man who enjoys music and reciprocates it by putting on a good fun show.
While tickets may be in short supply, you should grab any and all opportunities to get your hands on one. Witnessing an artist in their prime is always a blessed thing, even more so for an artist that connects with the listener like DeMarco does. Guests can expect a mix of tracks from all three of DeMarco’s album, tying together a consistently excellent discography into what’s sure to be a show to remember.
Mac DeMarco is playing at Vicar St Wednesday, November 22nd. Doors open 8pm.
