Released: 10th May 2019
Rating: ★★★
Yee-haw is big business at the moment. It’s not just the much publicised “honestly, I had no idea” coincidences that match Mac DeMarco’s new album ‘Here Comes The Cowboy’ with Mitski’s much-lauded 2018 record ‘Be The Cowboy’ either. Everywhere we turn, there’s someone trying to whack on a Stetson and a six-shooter. But while so many of these things are a slavish following of trend, there’s none of that to be found with Mac. This is a record that’s 100% proof – true to itself and its creator at every step.
In the most part, that’s a positive thing. In others, it’s a bitter sweet flaw. ‘Here Comes The Cowboy’ may pack a strident title, but it’s far more likely to be found relaxing on the ranch than calling the shots at high noon. While few would claim to listen to Mac DeMarco for the bangers, it makes for an album that’s possibly slightly too easy to let fade into the background.
At its best, like the woozy ‘Heart to Heart’ or magnificent ‘All Our Yesterdays’, it’s as strong as ever. At others – like the baffling ‘Choo Choo’ – complete with train impressions and enthusiastic whistles – it’s all rather Ralph Wiggum’s Funk Oddessy. If that’s a good or a bad thing it’s hard to say. It’s certainly something.
Dan Harrison
