Contact CU Independent Entertainment Writer and Photographer Gabriel Kelly at Gabriel.Kelly@colorado.edu.
Mac DeMarco and his band of John Lent, Joe McMurray and Andy White gave a performance at the Fox Theatre Sept. 1 that was full of excitement, rock and roll.
Sunboy, the opening band from Denver, played a clean set that showed off their range of style. Acoustic guitar melodies that transform into a psychedelic experience made the band a real joy to watch. Their music incorporated analog drum pads and synthesizers to further explore the psychedelic elements of indie rock. They were a great way to kick off the evening.
Suddenly, with a dim of the lights, DeMarco and his crew came out to cheers to the crowd. An hour-long set list of music from throughout his discography then took charge.
Mac DeMarco on stage at Fox Theatre on Sept. 1, 2016. (Gabriel Kelly/CU Independent)
“My Kind of Woman” and “The Stars Keep Calling My Name” were some of the first songs. One anthem-oriented song after another made the set humorous. It was also full of fan activity and had an overall jam-vibe that the crowd very much enjoyed. The band established a connection with the crowd by stealing beer, fist-bumping and allowing fans to run up on stage, which DeMarco seemed comfortable with.
Mac DeMarco at Fox Theatre Sept. 1, 2016. (Gabriel Kelly/CU Independent)
Throughout capo changes and tuning of DeMarco’s white Stratocaster, there was a lot of stage banter between the members of the band. Eventually, the keyboards came out, front and center.
“Another One” and “Chamber of Reflection” were standout moments, but the one that arguably took the cake was a stagehand participating in the fun. It was great to see him crowd surf the audience for the duration of “Freaking Out the Neighborhood.”
Mac DeMarco and his band on stage at Fox Theatre Sept. 1, 2016. (Gabriel Kelly/CU Independent)
Then a cover of Steely Dan’s “Reelin’ in the Years” ensued. DeMarco and White famously played the solos behind their heads for most of the song. After another song, Mac settled in on the drums to show his virtuosity. That was short-lived, and the band rolled onto their last song, “Still Together.”
In dedication to his longtime girlfriend, Kiera McNally, DeMarco sang his heart out up until the final chorus. Then, the crowd finally got some stage-diving action. The audience guided him over to the mixing booth, then over to the side railing so he could look down on the crowd. He proceeded to pump up the audience for the final chorus. As usual, “Still Together” took about 15 beautiful minutes and it was a sweet way to end the show.
But the audience was not pleased yet and demanded an encore. To their surprise, they received a cover of “Enter Sandman” by Metallica. Mac gave the place one last taste of his special blend of indie rock before he and the band went about their way.
Mac DeMarco at Fox Theatre Sept. 1, 2016. (Gabriel Kelly/CU Independent)
