On Wednesday 27th November, Canadian indie artist Mac DeMarco, graced the O2 Academy with an incredible display of music and artistry. Armed with his fourth album, DeMarco pleased the crowd with fan favourites, older album tracks and some rock ’n’ roll covers, providing the perfect mix of slow and upbeat letting the crowd switch between gentle sways to boogying.
Mac launched the show with ‘On the Level’, not an obvious choice but it was clear the crowd were ready for his set as the opening chords played. Followed by the ever-popular ‘Salad Days’, it was clear that DeMarco was in his element.
Throughout the show, fans were treated to the perfect mix of chat and music, with the guitarist even offering up an anecdote of how Mac taught him to play. In between his own tracks, he led the band in fun instrumentals, returning to the music of ‘Freaking Out the Neighbourhood’ after the incredible crowd reaction. The funky riffs and sweet beats of these jams provided the perfect soundtrack to get dancing in the crowded academy.
Known for his quirkiness and on-stage antics, the show seemed much tamer compared to previous sets, he did not fail to entertain the crowd with his peculiar noises, quirky dance moves and camera zooming into their bums. His style of baggy jeans and a fisherman’s hat, reassured fans he was still the same incredible artist they couldn’t wait to see and his artistry throughout the set stood to this testament.
An audience made up of many students, Mac was in the perfect company for his tunes and fashion choices treating them to a double encore. Nearing the end of the set, DeMarco announced that they were nearing the end only to continue blasting hit covers in his own unique style. DeMarco’s supporting act, Los Bitchos, decided to join the band and the man himself in the encore with an eccentric rendition of The Champs ‘Tequila’, which of course consisted of lots of tequila swigs and crowd roars. After saying goodbye, fans hadn’t had enough and chanted him back on stage where no one was then left disappointed. DeMarco rocked out to a Metallica cover closing with a moshing crowd who clearly couldn’t get enough.
An evening with DeMarco and his talented band ensures a night for an unforgettable musical performance and it will be over before you’re ready to stop dancing. There is no doubt that Mac lives up to and beyond expectations.
Mac’s latest album ‘Here Comes The Cowboy’ is out now. Stream it on Spotify:
Image by: Mona Maruyama
