SAYREVILLE, NJ – Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Three great American alternative rock bands that have one thing in common. All of them are the brainchild of California based singer-songwriter, Andrew McMahon.
It’s been a quarter-century of McMahon making an imprint on the music industry. Releasing 10 albums between his three various projects, with the four latest albums coming under the moniker, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. His most recent album Tilt At The Wind No More, released in March of this year, might be McMahon’s greatest introspective work to date.
In support of the release of the album, McMahon announced The New Friends Tour, a 32-city tour of the United States with support from Wildermiss and Michigander. We happened to be on-site the night after Thanksgiving when Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness put on a spectacle in front of a packed Starland Ballroom.
Starting out the night was the Nashville based indie rock band, Wildermiss. The intense use of synthesizers and pop-infused beats displayed by the three-piece band fronted by Emma Cole, got the crowd shuffling their feet and dancing before they were greeted by the Michigan rock band, Michigander.
Michigander is a Midwest indie band, formed and fronted by songwriter Jason Singer. The band are currently promoting their new EP, It Will Never Be The Same, which features the Alt-Radio hit, “Superglue,” and “In My Head,” which includes a feature credit from Manchester Orchestra.
The group put on an energetic performance that was perfect for a crowd that was beginning to awaken from their Thanksgiving turkey-hangovers. The energy was anticipatory when it was finally time for Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness to take the stage, and you could feel a stirring in the crowd.
To the surprise of the spectators at the Starland Ballroom, when the lights lowered and the speakers began playing McMahon’s new track, “Nobody Tells You When You’re Young,” McMahon was making his way to the stage from the back of the crowd. This set the tone for the energetic, family-friendly, and enthralling performance that was about to ensue.
The show spanned well over the anticipated 90-minute runtime and featured a 20-song setlist featuring all of McMahon’s hits, including four Something Corporate covers, five Jack’s Mannequin covers and a ton of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness’ hits.
The night hit a pinnacle just before the show’s conclusion, when McMahon sat down at his piano to begin playing his hit 2014 song, “Cecelia and the Satellite.” However, right before the chorus broke out, a little shadow appeared from the right side of the stage, and much to the crowds delight, out came nine-year-old Cecelia McMahon to perform the remainder of the song with her father.
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness put on a nostalgia packed show that’s suited for all ages. The former punk-rocker turned family man, effortlessly blends genres, and has a unique way of engaging with listeners, creating for a fun and dynamic show, and making The New Friends Tour a must-see event.
For tickets to an upcoming stop on the tour or for more information on all things Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, you can check out their website, andrewmcmahon.com, or follow them on Instagram @amnthewilderness.