The Pop Underground

Last updated
The Pop Underground
The Pop Underground by Andrew McMahon.jpg
EP by
Andrew McMahon
ReleasedApril 30, 2013
Recorded2012–2013
Genre
Length15:05
Label Left Here Music
Producer Tony Hoffer
Andrew McMahon chronology
The Pop Underground
(2013)		 Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
(2014)
Singles from The Pop Underground
  1. "Synesthesia"
    Released: April 2, 2013

The Pop Underground is an EP by Andrew McMahon, marking his first official debut as a solo artist separated from his prior bands Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin. It is produced and mixed by Tony Hoffer. It was released on April 30, 2013. The EP received a mainly positive response from music critics, with reviewers praising the release for its upbeat, poppy sound.

Contents

Background and production

People and Things , the third Jack's Mannequin record, was released in October 2011. [1] Frontman Andrew McMahon considered it the final part of the Jack's Mannequin story [2] that was initially meant to only last for a single album. By November, he said the Jack's Mannequin name wasn't "useful" to him after the album's release. He added that it might be the appropriate time for him to leave the name behind and start a new project around modern music. [3] In February 2012, McMahon started dropping suggestions that the band would break up. [4] In September, "Wrecking Ball Heart" was posted online, a track that McMahon viewed as both the final Jack's Mannequin song and his first solo song. [5] Jack's Mannequin played their last show in November. Following this, McMahon spent the next few months in studios doing pop writing [6] and writing songs for the TV show Smash . [5] After this, he worked on songs for a solo EP. [6]

McMahon collaborated with producer Mark Williams, who wrote songs with beats and programming. McMahon came up with lyrics in a stream-of-conscientiousness manner, drafting up piano tracks and melodies. [6] Before working with Williams, McMahon had completed a two-day writing session for a different musician, and subsequently went out to celebrate. He spent half of his first day with Williams hungover, having little progress working with an existing song McMahon had brought in. Williams proposed starting a new song and began working on a beat. McMahon said it "brought [him] out of [his] fog", tracking piano and writing lyrics; the track became "Learn to Dance". It defined the EP's subject matter, in addition to McMahon and Williams' approach in the studio. [7]

The Pop Underground was recorded by Tony Hoffer at The Hobby Shop in Highland Park and Sound Factory Studio B in Hollywood, with additional recording done by Mark Williams in his studio from late 2012 to early 2013. "Sister Golden Hair Surprise" was recorded by Jim Wirt at Crushstone Studios, Cleveland, Ohio. [8]

Composition

The EP's title first appeared in a post McMahon wrote for the Huffington Post, in which he speaks of his accomplishments as an artist under the radar: "...night after night and album after album, a mass of humanity I now refer to lovingly as the pop underground, come together and sing. ... [W]e are a scrappy tribe and we stand for something: Music that is found, shared and cared for[; …] music that tells a story that people want to retell." [9] All of the songs on the EP were co-written by McMahon and Williams, with Williams taking part in pre-production and arrangement. The songs feature a mixture of electronic and organic instruments with live and programmed drums. [10] Musically, the EP has been classed as pop and electronic. [11] McMahon was inspired by Miike Snow, Niki & the Dove, My Morning Jacket, Andrew Bird and Atlas Genius. [10] McMahon said he wanted the songs to tackle serious topics while at the same time have an feel-good vibe to it. Thematically, the songs reference McMahon's upbringing with his family, places he's visited, and forgiveness. [10]

"Synesthesia" talks about McMahon having a quiet career as a musician, and him being proud of his achievements. [12] With "Catching Cold", McMahon and Williams spent 10 hours in the studio looking for inspiration. McMahon received a phone call from one of his friends, which gave him flashbacks from his earlier days growing up in Ohio. Upon his return to the studio, the pair came up with an outline of the song; McMahon showed it to Hoffner, who added programming and synthesizers. [13] It had elements of electro music, [14] and saw McMahon use Auto-Tune during the bridge section. A line of its lyrics reference the time his sister become his donor for his stem cell transplant. [15] "Lean to Dance" is about learning from the past and finding forgiveness. [7] "After the Fire" showcases McMahon's piano playing ability, [14] and was inspired by One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). It discusses stasis [16] and the need to push through negativity. [15]

Release

The EP was intended for release in February 2013, [6] however, he ended up receiving a support slot offer from Fun in December 2012. [17] McMahon, who had helped Fun in their early days touring with Jack's Mannequin, accepted their offer. He didn't plan to gather a backing band until February, [6] but managed to get some of his friends around Christmas 2012 and spent a week learning around 20 songs. [5] The backing band consisted of six people, including two former members of Jack's Mannequin. In January and February 2013, McMahon performed a handful of solo dates [18] and supported Fun. [19] McMahon cancelled some of his dates supporting Fun due to a family emergency. [19] He then went on headlining tour in March, [5] which continued into April. [18] The shows featured a mix of Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin and new material. [5] "Synesthesia" was released as a single on April 2, 2013. [20]

On April 25, Billboard premiered "After the Fire" on their website. [16] On April 26, AOL premiered "Learn to Dance" on their blog. [7] Lastly, on April 29, Alternative Press premiered "Catching Cold". [13] The Pop Underground was released on April 30 through Left Here Music. [21] Discussing the quick turnover between Jack's Mannequin ending and the release of the EP, McMahon said he wanted to remove the "structure around [him that] was sort of stifling my ability to release" material in a timely manner, referring to major labels. [22] Some physical editions offered a 7" vinyl single which featured an alternative version of "Synesthesia" and a cover of "Sister Golden Hair Surprise" by America. [12] McMahon performed at the Slam Dunk Festival in the UK at the end of May. [23] On June 13, a music video was released for "Synesthesia", [24] directed by Hamilton & Cooper Karl. [25] Between June and August, McMahon supported O.A.R. on their headlining US tour. [16]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Favorable [26]
Diffuser.fm 6/10 [12]
Melodic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Rock Sound 7/10 [14]
The Stylus Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [15]

The EP itself has received mainly positive reviews from music critics. AllMusic reviewer Gregory Heaney found it akin to "a more grounded and restrained" version of Jónsi, the frontman for Sigur Rós. [26] He complimented the "lush" electronic backing tracks, which gave the tracks "a warm, flowing feeling." [26] Overall, Heaney called it a "fitting way" for McMahon's reinvention. [26] Max Barrett of Rock Sound said McMahon "return[ed] in fine form" on the release, praising his voice for sustaining "the same tones" that made him stand out. [14] The EP had upbeat energy and "a certain swagger" to it which made it "sweet, essential summer listening." [14]

Melodic reviewer John Wippsson said McMahon provided "cute and catchy pop in a luxurious format." [11] He felt he shift to an electronic-based style, which worked well, came across as "a little too simple and synthetic." [11] While The Stylus ' Brandon Wood lauded the songs "unique" musicality, he found them lacking in lyrical quality, save for "After the Fire". [15] He wished McMahon's future endeavours would have "more of his personal style of musical genius." [15] Though Diffuser.fm writer Beth Kellmurray enjoyed "Synesthesia", she said the "synth and auto-tuning" come across "as crutches" for McMahon, becoming a "distraction" for the rest of the tracks. [12]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Andrew McMahon and Mark Williams, except where noted

Standard edition
No.TitleLength
1."Synesthesia"4:21
2."Catching Cold"4:01
3."Learn to Dance"3:17
4."After the Fire"3:26
Digital deluxe edition/"Synesthesia" 7" bonus track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
5."Sister Golden Hair Surprise" (America cover) Gerry Beckley 3:26

Personnel

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something Corporate</span> American rock band

Something Corporate is an American rock band from Laguna Niguel, Orange County, California, formed in 1998. Their currently active line-up includes vocalist and pianist Andrew McMahon, guitarists Josh Partington and William Tell, bassist Kevin Page and drummer Brian Ireland.

<i>North</i> (Something Corporate album) 2003 studio album by Something Corporate

North is the third and final studio album by American rock band Something Corporate. Near the beginning of the writing process for the album, vocalist and pianist Andrew McMahon and guitarist Josh Partington wanted it to "sound like a winter album", in contrast to their second album Leaving Through the Window (2002) which they viewed as a "summer album". After losing focus through constant touring, the group decided to record an album in Seattle, Washington. Recording took place at Robert Lang Studios in Seattle with producer Jim Wirt in May 2003. After relocating to Los Angeles, California, further tracking was done at 4th Street Recording in Santa Monica.

<i>Leaving Through the Window</i> 2002 studio album by Something Corporate

Leaving Through the Window is the second studio album and major-label debut by American rock band Something Corporate. Following the success of the Drive-Thru Records-released Audioboxer (2001) EP, the band signed to their label distributor MCA Records in late 2001 after the EP caught their attention. The three-month recording process for Leaving Through the Window took place in studios across California and Florida, with Jim Wirt acting as producer. A few songs from previous releases were re-recorded for inclusion on the album; the material was anywhere from three months to three years old. A music video was made for "If You C Jordan" in early 2002; the group then embarked on a three-month long US tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew McMahon</span> American musician

Andrew Ross McMahon is an American singer-songwriter. He is the vocalist, pianist and primary lyricist for the bands Something Corporate and main songwriter for Jack's Mannequin and performs solo both under his own name as well as his moniker, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. On April 30, 2013, he debuted his first solo work, an EP titled The Pop Underground, which was followed by his debut album Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, released on October 14, 2014. His second album, Zombies on Broadway, was released on February 10, 2017. He released his third album, Upside Down Flowers, on November 16, 2018. His fourth album, Tilt at the Wind No More, was released on March 31, 2023. His memoir, Three Pianos, was published by Princeton Architectural Press on October 26, 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack's Mannequin</span> American rock band

Jack's Mannequin was an American rock band formed in 2004, hailing from Orange County, California. The band originally began as a solo project for Andrew McMahon, the frontman of Something Corporate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FEMM (duo)</span> Japanese electronic dance music duo

FEMM was a Japanese electronic dance music duo, composed of Emily "RiRi" Kaiho and Todo "LuLa" Hiro. The group signed with the Avex Group Holdings Inc. sub-record label Maximum10 and their distributing label Avex Music Creative Inc.; they signed a deal with London label JPU Records for European distribution. After a series of singles between 2013 and 2014, FEMM released their debut studio album Femm-Isation in October 2014 as a digital release. FEMM's major debut and first physical release, Pow!/L.C.S., was released in February 2016.

<i>Everything in Transit</i> 2005 studio album by Jacks Mannequin

Everything in Transit is the debut studio album by American rock band Jack's Mannequin. Amid rising tensions within Something Corporate, the band went on a break; returning to his home in Orange County, California, frontman Andrew McMahon began working on a new project with producer Jim Wirt. Tracking commenced at 4th Street Studios in California, with additional recording done at other studios. Towards the end of the sessions, McMahon signed with major label Maverick Records; tracking was presumed finished in late 2004. McMahon began playing shows with Jack's Mannequin in early 2005; the group embarked on six-week tour, which coincided with the single release of "Holiday from Real".

The Spill Canvas is an American alternative rock band from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Known for their hits "All Over You," "All Hail the Heartbreaker" and "Polygraph, Right Now!", as well as several emo classics like "Our Song," "The Tide" and "This Is for Keeps."

Synaesthesia is a perceptual experience.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Die Mannequin</span> Canadian alternative rock band

Die Mannequin was a Canadian alternative rock band from Toronto, founded by guitar player and singer Care Failure in 2005. The band toured across Canada several times, opening for Buckcherry, Guns N' Roses, Marilyn Manson and Sum 41. They also toured Europe on several occasions, alone and as an opening act for Danko Jones in 2008.

Treaty of Paris is an American rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The band consists of five members: Phil Kosch (guitar), Dan Wade (guitar/vocals), Alex Maier (bass/vocals), Chris Insidioso (drums) and Mike Chorvat.

<i>The Glass Passenger</i> 2008 studio album by Jacks Mannequin

The Glass Passenger is the second studio album by American rock band Jack's Mannequin. Frontman Andrew McMahon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in mid-2005 following the recording of their debut album Everything in Transit. While touring, McMahon suffered from writer's block, which did not dissipate until mid-2006; many of the songs that would appear on The Glass Passenger were written mid-to-late 2007. Further writing sessions were held when a number of the dates were cancelled due to McMahon suffering from exhaustion and fatigue. The Glass Passenger was produced by McMahon and Jim Wirt and co-produced by CJ Eiriksson; the tracking marked the first time McMahon worked with the band in the studio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fun (band)</span> American pop band

Fun is an American indie pop band based in New York City. The band consists of Jack Antonoff, Andrew Dost, and Nate Ruess.

"Dark Blue" is the second single by Jack's Mannequin from their first studio album, Everything in Transit. In May 2013, nearly eight years after its 2005 release, "Dark Blue" went gold.

<i>People and Things</i> 2011 studio album by Jacks Mannequin

People and Things is the third and final studio album by American rock band Jack's Mannequin. It was released on October 4, 2011, through Sire Records. Following the release of The Glass Passenger (2008), the band's vocalist and pianist, Andrew McMahon, spent time during 2009 and 2010 writing, recording and then scrapping tracks for the follow-up. Shifting focus to his live band in a period during 2010, they began to work on new material. With the aid of producers Jim Scott and Rob Cavallo, the album was recorded at several studios from November 2010 to January 2011. The lead single "My Racing Thoughts" was released in August 2011, followed by the release of "Release Me" in November of that year, which was promoted by an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Synesthesia (song)</span> 2013 single by Andrew McMahon

"Synesthesia" is a song and the debut single from Andrew McMahon's debut solo EP The Pop Underground, released on April 2, 2013 as a digital download and first physically available in the deluxe preorder package of The Pop Underground as a 7" picture disc. The single marks McMahon's first single release separated from his prior bands Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, as well as his commissioned writing for Smash, and also his first single as an independent artist. The single is produced and mixed by Tony Hoffer and written by McMahon and Mark Williams.

<i>Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness</i> (album) 2014 album by Andrew McMahon

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness is the debut studio album by American rock pianist Andrew McMahon, under the moniker Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Following the demise of Jack's Mannequin, McMahon released The Pop Underground (2013) EP. He began recording an album between late 2013 and early 2014 at various studios in Los Angeles, California, with producers Mike Viola and James Flannigan. Described as a pop, soft rock and electronic album, it drew comparisons to Fun, the Killers and Passion Pit. Half of the material on the album was co-written with Viola, while the balance was co-written with various musicians.

<i>Zombies on Broadway</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Zombies on Broadway is the second studio album by American rock pianist Andrew McMahon, under the moniker Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. During a break touring to support his self-titled debut album, McMahon wrote new material with Gregg Wattenberg and Derek Fuhrmann. He began recording the album between May and September 2016 with a variety of producers in Los Angeles, New York City, and London. Described as a pop and pop rock album, several reviewers compared its sound to the band Fun.

<i>Upside Down Flowers</i> 2018 studio album by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Upside Down Flowers is the third studio album by American rock pianist Andrew McMahon, under the moniker Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, released on November 16, 2018.

References

  1. ↑ Zaleksi, Annie (August 30, 2011). "Exclusive: Jack's Mannequin album trailer for "People And Things"". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  2. ↑ Wippsson, Johan (May 1, 2012). "Jacks Mannequin Premieres Video For "Release Me"". Melodic. Archived from the original on 2012-05-05. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  3. ↑ Sivero, Tyler (November 14, 2011). "Interview: Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin". USD Student Media. Archived from the original on 2018-07-24. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  4. ↑ Dwyer, Alisa (May 10, 2013). "Andrew McMahon: Music Industry's Very Own Phoenix". Campus Circle. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Moser, John J. (January 28, 2013). "Andrew McMahon looks to solo career after 'completion' of Jack's Mannequin". The Morning Call. p. 2. Archived from the original on 2018-10-28. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Moser, John J. (January 28, 2013). "Andrew McMahon looks to solo career after 'completion' of Jack's Mannequin". The Morning Call. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2015-07-07. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 Malach, Maggie (April 26, 2013). "Andrew McMahon, 'Learn to Dance' Song Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)". Archived from the original on 2013-06-26. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  8. ↑ McMahon, Andrew. "New Beginnings". YouTube . Archived from the original on 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  9. ↑ McMahon, Andrew (12 November 2012). "Huffington Post Online". HuffPost . Archived from the original on 2012-11-20. Retrieved 2013-03-14.
  10. 1 2 3 O'Brien, Molly (April 1, 2013). ""People Make Mistakes and I'll Probably Make More": An Interview with Andrew McMahon". PopMatters. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Wippsson, Johan. "Andrew McMahon - The Pop Underground - EP". Archived from the original on August 6, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Kellmurray, Beth (April 30, 2013). "Andrew McMahon 'The Pop Underground' – Album Review". Diffuser.fm. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  13. 1 2 Whitt, Cassie (April 29, 2013). "Song Premiere: Andrew McMahon, "Catching Cold"". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on 2013-05-02. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 Barrett, Max (July 5, 2013). "Andrew McMahon - The Pop Underground - Reviews". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 Wood, Brandon (May 7, 2013). "Album Review: The Pop Underground - Andrew McMahon". The Stylus. Archived from the original on June 18, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  16. 1 2 3 Lipshutz, Jason (April 25, 2013). "Andrew McMahon, 'After The Fire': Exclusive Song Premiere". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-04-28. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  17. ↑ Moser, John J. (July 18, 2013). "Singer Andrew McMahon finds something brand new". The Morning Call. p. 2. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  18. 1 2 Whitt, Cassie (January 22, 2013). "Andrew McMahon announces headlining tour dates, to release debut EP this spring". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  19. 1 2 Whitt, Cassie (February 11, 2013). "Andrew McMahon cancels remaining appearances on fun. tour". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Synesthesia - Andrew McMahon | Release Info". AllMusic. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  21. ↑ "The Pop Underground - EP". iTunes. 30 April 2013. Archived from the original on August 8, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  22. ↑ Moser, John J. (July 18, 2013). "Singer Andrew McMahon finds something brand new". The Morning Call. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2013-08-01. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  23. ↑ Redrup, Zach (January 9, 2013). "NEWS: Second wave of bands now added to Slam Dunk Festival 2013 line-up!". Dead Press!. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  24. ↑ Bird, Michele (June 13, 2013). "Andrew McMahon releases "Synesthesia" video". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on 2018-10-28. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  25. ↑ McMahon, Andrew (June 13, 2013). Andrew McMahon - Synesthesia. Archived from the original on 2018-06-28. Retrieved October 27, 2018– via YouTube.
  26. 1 2 3 4 Heaney, Gregory. "The Pop Underground - Andrew McMahon | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.