When Mac DeMarco rolled into the Brighton Dome, it felt like stepping into a hazy, sunlit dream. Backed by his tight, effortless band, he delivered a masterclass in indie-rock charm and subtle musicianship. Mac weaved through fan favourites and deep cuts alike, reminding the crowd that his offbeat humour and sun-soaked melodies make every live show a unique, immersive experience. Come along as our Music Editor Emma Harrison shares the scoop on Mac’s performance.
Mac DeMarco at Brighton Dome: Gig Review
Mac DeMarco delivered one of the most effortlessly charming live performances of the year at a sold-out Brighton Dome. Backed by a tight and deeply talented band, he rolled through a 25-track set that balanced tracks from his new album Guitar with fan favourites and deep cuts from across his career. From the wistful crooning of My Kind of Woman to the blistering energy of Freaking Out The Neighbourhood, the set captured everything that makes DeMarco such a compelling live act. His laidback yet utterly captivating stage presence, complete with kamikaze dancing and genuine warmth toward the crowd, made for an extraordinary Sunday night of live music.
Why Mac DeMarco Is One of the Most Compelling Live Acts Around
What sets Mac DeMarco apart as a live performer is the authenticity that runs through every moment of his show. His appreciation for his bandmates is genuine and visible, his storytelling between songs adds real warmth, and his vocal delivery sits perfectly within the sun-soaked, woozy melodies that have made him a favourite. Tracks like Shining and Chamber of Reflection demonstrated his sincere and emotive best, while support act Tex Crick set the tone beautifully with his signature piano charm and quietly captivating tales of human connection. If you have not seen DeMarco live, this Brighton performance was a reminder that some artists are simply better experienced in person.
Mac DeMarco – an invariable dopamine hit
I didn’t know how much I needed Mac DeMarco in my life — without wanting to sound a smidge dramatic, perhaps it was the theatrical setting of the Brighton Dome that influenced my mood.
Of course, I was familiar with Mac, but had never seen him perform live before. Some things are worth waiting for. Mac is the epitome of a dopamine hit — he’s as quirky as he is talented and his set in Brighton personified this.
Prior to the gig, my partner and I played the game of spot who was going to the Mac DeMarco gig. Magnanimously, I can confirm that my partner reigns supreme as the undisputed champion of spotting the quintessential Mac DeMarco energy.
Introducing Tex Crick
Fun and games aside, we took our seats to enjoy the chilled out vibes and wonky synths from Tex Crick who was signed to Mac’s label. Their musical kinship is clear as is the mutual respect that both acts have for each other. The set brims with Crick’s signature piano charm and his knack for weaving wry, quietly revealing tales of human connection. His music captures the mellow yet marvellous spirit of ’70s troubadours like Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson.
It’s Mac DeMarco time
With his unique style of laidback yet utterly captivating balladry, Mac and his super talented band took to the stage to a sold-out audience. He had them in the palm of his hand from the very first note. Every few songs, someone declared their love for Mac with the ever-charming Mac returning the vibes throwing out ‘I love you, baby’ back. From anyone else, it would have felt a little disingenuous, but from DeMarco, it felt totally authentic!
Quirky and captivating
His quirkiness includes a questionable accent, some kamikaze-style dancing, and a tall story about buying a property in Brighton where all the band are going to live together (how very Beatles!) Quick on his feet, his response when asked by an audience member where the site of the future DeMarco band abode would be, Mac dazzlingly replied it was at 12345 Brighton Street.
Pseudo homes aside, Mac’s set sequencing was impressive — he managed to juggle tracks from his new album ‘Guitar’ with fan favourites and deep cuts from previous albums. He introduced the band very early on in the set. His appreciation for his bandmates — and in particular his guitarist Pedro — was evident. DeMarco is a musician’s musician, and his latest offering (both on the album and on the stage) showcases the Canadian at his reflective and emotive best.
DeMarco’s sincere delivery and storytelling sparkled throughout
‘Shining’ was heartfelt but hopeful and was the perfect showcase for DeMarco’s sincere delivery and storytelling. Despite lamenting the complications of love, ‘Shining’ soaked Mac’s signature wooziness and was a great way to kick off the 25-track set.
From the brooding tones of ‘Phantom’ with its restless and pacing bassline delivered feverishly by his topless bass player to the wistful crooning sensibilities of ‘My Kind of Woman’, Mac and his band effortlessly delivered a set that was both low key but full of energy at the same time — impressive stuff!
Old favourites blended effortlessly with Mac DeMarco’s new material
Old favourites like ‘Salad Days’ and ‘Passing Out Pieces’ went down a storm with the excited audience members, but Mac’s newer material also hit hard. In particular, ‘Punishment’ and the nostalgic ‘Home’ saw Mac’s languid vocal delivery perfectly complementing the song’s soft, finger-picked guitar work.
Engaging, endearing, and effervescent, Mac DeMarco is an extraordinary presence on stage — effortlessly charming the crowd with his performance, energy, and his unique personality. The audience hung on his every word, as he continued to deliver an extraordinary set including a sun-dappled version of ‘Knockin’, ‘Heart to Heart’, a beautiful ‘Moonlight on the River’ and a blistering ‘Freaking Out The Neighbourhood’ which was one of the highlights of a career-spanning set.
Reflective and expansive, this was Mac DeMarco at his thrilling best
DeMarco concluded with the brilliantly kaleidoscopic ‘Chamber of Reflection’ — richly atmospheric and immersive, full of soaring textures and emotive feeling. Despite being a relatively intimate gig, the music was immense and expansive and captured the attention of every audience member.
The charm of DeMarco whimsy and chat coupled with his electrifying band and effortless vocal delivery makes for a stellar Sunday night out. You can’t help but smile at the departing figure of Mac DeMarco as he sashays off stage. My dopamine levels are at an all-time high. This was a fantastic way to end an impressive night of live music.
Photo Credit: Zach McDowell
