Jack's Mannequin

Initially starting as a solo project for ex lead vocalist of Californian piano rock band Something Corporate, Andrew McMahon used Jack’s Mannequin as form of therapy. Some of the material he had written during his Something Corporate days he felt didn’t really suit the style of the band, so reserved them for his own personal use. While writing songs therapeutically created a more personal and intimate nature, McMahon had never planned for them to be release. However he unintentionally found cohesion in the tracks which he decided to get the tracks professionally produced which would eventually become his debut album “Everything In Transit” released in 2005. Subsequent releases “The Glass Passenger” (2008) and “People and Things” (2010) continued themes of life, love and loss progressing from introspective melancholy to more upbeat and catchier.
One thing you’re guaranteed at a Jack’s Mannequin show is generous helping of heart and soul as McMahon takes you on a journey through his eyes narrated through a series of life story inspired tracks. Opening with “Holiday from the Real” has the crowd singing along in perfect harmony as McMahon sits comfortably at the piano surrounded by lamps before throwing his whole body into the performance shrouded by an array of soft lighting. “Release Me” shows the more upbeat and funkier side of Jack’s Mannequin and is infectiously catchy. As the crowd start clapping in unison, it’s a perfect opportunity for McMahon to get off the piano and dance on stage. “The Mixed Tape” sends the crowd wild, screaming and singing at the top of their lungs while recording the stunning performance on their cameras. The already beautiful track is a million times more incredible live as he puts all his energy and love into it. Closing the set with “La La Lie” sees McMahon simultaneously play the harmonica and the piano as he is joined on stage by friends for gang vocals on the chorus. It’s a perfect upbeat track to end on as the crowd cheer and chant “La La Lie” as confetti shoots out over them. Jack’s Mannequin are an incredible live band, led by McMahon’s charm and soothing vocals creates a beautifully chilled atmosphere.

This is one of the most electric shows I've ever been to. Maybe because of Andrew's story or maybe because of the significance of this album in my life, the whole night felt surreal. The crowd knew every word to every song on the album. They played a solid 2 hour set, complete with a few surprises. I felt like I was a part of music history and I was. You could feel the emotion in the words and room as Andrew performed, it was truly a beautiful, emotional experience. I would recommend seeing Jack's Mannequin live but if you don't have tickets already you probably won't be able to find any. So I'm going to recommend you see Andrew perform live under Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness.