Jack's Mannequin

Danielle Koagal

A&E Editor

“I hear it/ A jet engine/ Through the center of the storm/ And I’m thinking I’d prefer not to be rescued.” With lyrics like these, don’t expect any of the typical plastic pop circulating on the radio from Jack’s Mannequin.

The newly released album “Everything in Transit” is full of well crafted melodies and subtle but powerful piano playing. The album itself is the solo project of Andrew McMahlon, the hauntingly beautiful tenor voice behind the band Something Corporate.

McMahlon began the project with no original intention of releasing the material. The material itself took McMahlon two years to write and produce and chronicles an inspiring period of his life. His inspiration came from his experiences with Something Corporate and a recent break with his girlfriend. Hence, “Everything in Transit” was born from heartbreak and a newly formed maturity from the days of Something Corporate.

McMahlon’s inspirations channeled themselves into a record which is fairly low-key and at times a bit angsty but also very emotionally and musically intense. The album not only showcases his obvious talent in piano playing without overdoing it, but also features fellow talented musician Tommy Lee on drums.

The album was officially released on August 23 and the only released song thus far is “Mixed Tape.” The song features a great representation of McMahlon’s song-writing abilities and offers lyrics sweet enough to make you sigh but with just the right vocal and instrumental edge to make it more than a sappy “where-are-you-now?” lullaby.

Jack’s Mannequin’s “Everything in Transition” is, as its title suggests, a transition to a more mature and developed plane for Andrew McMahlon. The album possesses potential for massive popularity, but for now it’s a hidden treasure expressing, in McMahlon’s words, “a symphony of sound.”

Project Flip-Flop:

Andrew McMahon was diagnosed with leukimia in June of 2005 and underwent surgery August 23rd, the release date of ‘Everything in Transit.” He has since started the non-profit organization “Project Flip Flop” to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. Donators will recieve an autographed pair of Jack’s Mannequin flip-flops. You can donate by going to www.jacksmannequin.com.