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Review: Jack's Mannequin - Everything in Transit

Date 9/29/2005 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & Culture

Jack's Mannequin is the latest project of Andrew McMahon, the frontman for Something Corporate and emo rock icon.

As the debut record of his solo efforts and first musical endeavor after pouring out three records in three years with Something Corporate, McMahon draws lyrical inspiration from months on the road and the termination of a long-term relationship.

Although comparable in sound to the emotive piano rock of Something Corporate, "Everything in Transit" eradicates all stops on the trail to introspect song writing and irresistible pop melodies.

The album opens with "Holiday From Real," the typical and predictable California sunshine-pop track with a standard piano/guitar combo presenting the melody.

As McMahon's voice cuts over the walking bass line, the listener can identify the composition similarities to Something Corporate tracks such as "Only Ashes" or "Ruthless."

The persistent use of explitives in the song's bridge hints at the bitterness the 23-year old pop star is harboring. The cynical attitude of a bad break up shines trough on "The Mixed Tape."

The tempo picks up as McMahon reflects on the break up, questions the things he has given up and his motivation to get through the day.

Seemingly resentful at the absence of the former girlfriend he is reminiscent as he inquires "Where are you now / As I'm swimming through the stereo / I'm writing you a symphony of sound."

As the track concludes, McMahon declares the power of a mixed tape in true baby-of-the-80s style: "As I rearrange the songs again / I swear to God this mix could sink the sun / But it's you that I'm thinking of."

"Bruised," the first single and the record's most memorable track highlights the reasons McMahon's name has to be included on any list of significant songwriters.

The unshakable vocal melody and his resilient tenor voice bring an unmatchable intensity to the emo-rock genre. He proves himself a master of the piano keyboard time and again in the first half of "Everything in Transit."

The record was completed in the spring of 2005, and serves as a panoramic photograph of McMahon's life at the time.

The opening lyric of the record, "She thinks I'm much too thin / She's asks me if I'm sick," disconcertingly foreshadowed the early June announcement that McMahon had been diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia.

The singer had been struggling with a recurring case of laryngitis, and cancelled a performance for the first time due to illness on risk of permanently harming his voice in late May.

Since that time, all tours for Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin have been postponed.

"Everything In Transit" is filled with compelling melodies and enough pop hooks to keep you entertained for many listens and is void of filler to allow you to press play and enjoy the album in its entirety.

While the lyrics lack depth and integrity, this is a good one to sing along to in the car or the privacy of your dorm room.

--

Coz Lindsay

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