The intro of “Passing Out Pieces” resembles hazy Tame Impala psych-rock more than it does the usual jangle-pop work of Mac DeMarco. It only takes a half-minute, though, before DeMarco’s trademark hypnotic vocals and mellow guitar lines are incorporated. The talented singer/songwriter has always had a knack for cloaking heavy doses of emotive sophistication over cool nonchalance, and that continues on “Passing Out Pieces”, the first single off his upcoming album Salad Days, out April 1st on Captured Tracks. No, the album title isn’t a joke, like the previously released “album teaser” from DeMarco, which said he would release his next album, Eddie’s Dream, in 2019, alongside a pussy-loving track. Salad Days will hit well before that, in April.
The first single from Salad Days is a treat, a self-analysis of sorts from DeMarco who remarks that “what mom don’t know has taken its toll on me” during an infectious chorus that balances jangly and wiry guitar tones with organ arpeggios and psych-ready synths. It’s a pleasant burst of pop genius at just under three minutes from an artist whose rise should continue in 2014. If you haven’t already, check out both Rock & Roll Night Club and his excellent 2012 album 2, which came in at #12 on our top albums list that year.
