Andrew McMahon at the Union Chapel

As the years go by, changes inevitably take place. Andrew McMahon started his career in 2002 as part of Something Corporate, a pop-punk act. Two records later the musician kicked off a side project called Jack’s Mannequin which became his focus and gained major commercial success until disbanding last year.

Today McMahon carries the weight of the past, cherishing memories but ready to embark on a new adventure, this time alone. His new personal effort is EP The Pop Underground, which he’s currently promoting with a tour through a few UK cities before heading back home to the States.

The London gig was at the Union Chapel, a very evocative venue both in terms of atmosphere and suitability: the acoustics were, needless to say, outstanding. McMahon dresses and behaves in fitting style, though rather moderately, giving the impression that his wild days are over and apologising to the “Big Boss” whenever a curse slips out. The musician, though, remains true to himself – he has always been a modest, grateful, passionate boy who has gone through a lot, and he capably described and shared his experiences and feelings.

The concert was mainly a revival of the good old songs, largely composed and written with his previous bands. The difference lies in the fact that every track, even the more energetic, is an acoustic version, and McMahon was alone onstage with his beloved piano. The appreciative audience (mostly die-hard fans) listened in awe, chanting along, sometimes quietly and more often out loudly. Not a single word was missed; the crowd knew all the lyrics by heart, even when they were more complex, and even those off the new EP, among them Synesthesia and Learn to Dance.

I Want to Save You, Dark Blue, Straw Dog, The Resolution and many others were all equally warmly welcomed, but the encore was the real highlight. The ten-minute Konstantine was enthralling and La La Lie raised stadium standard choruses.

A soulful, honest musician, McMahon knows how to find his way into the hearts of his audience.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Rita Vicinanza

Photos: Charlotte Bruning

For further information about Andrew McMahon and future events visit here.

Watch an acoustic performance of Synesthesia here: