Five Easy Hot Dogs - Mac DeMarco
Atmospheric background music at its finest
By Emma Ihlenfeld
Mac DeMarco’s fifth studio album, “Five Easy Hot Dogs,” gets its titular inspiration from the 1970 film “Five Easy Pieces,” during which Jack Nicholson’s character takes a road trip across the US. Similarly, DeMarco recorded his 2023 instrumental release while on a solo road trip through North America, naming his songs after the cities he stopped in.
The tracks come and go, none standing out. The album has an easy peace and a subtle melancholy reminiscent of a sunset. It is easy to envision yourself on the road while listening, going somewhere or nowhere, and watching places and times go by.
As a longtime fan of DeMarco’s work, I certainly wouldn’t say this is his greatest, as I believe his unique vocals and lyricism bring out his best. However, I have long felt that he is one of the most talented instrumentalists of the modern age, a true master of the soft, indie rock guitar riff. This album puts his versatile musical ability on full display, proving once again that he doesn’t need lyrics to draw deep emotion out of a listener.
“Hot Dogs” is atmospheric background music at its finest- the type you can forget is playing just as easily as you can be mesmerized by its alluring wonder.