The Pop Underground - EP

If you've ever listened to Andrew McMahon's music, be prepared to hear him stretch as an artist. While it is different, it is beautifully crafted with the artistry and creativity we've come to know. 'Synesthesia' is crafted in a way that makes you realize how it's difficult to live in 'the shadow of the moon' and how this life is beautiful and temporary. 'After the Fire' reminds me of Kesey's 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.' It's refreshing to hear a song that is inspired by something other than a love affair. Andrew McMahon is amazing. You'll see colors when you hear his voice.

Saw him last night opening for Matt and Gavin in Chicago and I’m an instant fan! Looking forward to October for the next release. Great tunes here.

After listening to songs like "Rescued" and, dare I say it, Something Corporate tunes such as "Konstantine", this album is a bit of a let-down by comparison. Synesthesia is pretty clever, as are the lyrics in just about all of McMahon's songs (this album included). But some of the musical techniques fall flat, like the auto-tuned vocals in Catching Cold that hit you like a smack in the face. After the Fire was, however, a good example of how to blend synthesized sound and the keyboard-and-vocals we expect from McMahon. I don't really have anything to say about Learn to Dance except that it seems a little bit like a by-the-numbers copy of stuff that's been done before, albeit a catchy one. Again, these song's aren't really bad, they just don't live up to expectations. You really have to listen to them yourself to decide whether they're worth the price tag. Andrew McMahon's name might be on the cover now, but it doesn't really seem like it's his songs anymore. Ironically enough, his sound and emotions shone through better when he was part of a group.

I've grown up listening to Andrews music. From SoCo to Jacks.. He is truly an artist.

This is a totally new sound for Andrew and it's a lot different compared to Jack's Mannequin. Not really sure I love the slight auto tune. But that's Andrew for you, always surprising us! "everything in transit" holds such a special place in my heart, and the 2 albums are so different that it ALMOST made me sad. But I love Andrew McMahon to pieces and he's so talented that I can't not love his music. KEEP CREATING YOUR MASTERPIECES! MUCH LOVE:)

Everything Andrew creates is so genuine. He's been my favorite artist for 8 years now and I don't see that changing. His music comes from a real place and that is because he stays true within himself. So much respect for this man! I had the pleasure of seeing him live and it was the best show I have ever been too. He's not about the money, he's about making real art and that is hard to find. Love this man! <3

I'm not a fan of this new type of music, it isn't a true portrayal of who Andrew McMahon is and how truly talented. Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin were two of my favorite bands and it's tough to see his music regress to this techno music.

I was honestly really surprised when I heard the first single Synesthesia, and it didn't have any piano in it. The piano is what initially drew me into Andrew's music. The way everything just fit was fantastic. His amazing lyrics, the soothing sound of the piano, and how everything else meshed so greatly. I'd never rate his music anything less than three stars, but I'm hoping his next album incorporates everything that drew in his fans in the first place. I know his lyrics will never disappoint, but the heavy pop sounds and the synths in this sounds like it doesn't belong. I have high hopes for the next album.

I have been a fan of Andrew McMahon since his Something Corporate days, and I have always loved all his music without exceptions, but this album left me with mixed feelings. Lyrically and vocally, the album is great (except for a few instances of autotune...), but it is a little too heavy on the synthesizer. "Synesthesia" is by far the best track, I thought I was going to hate "Catching Cold" until the chorus came around to redeem it, I cringe every time I hear the little 'eh eh eh' vocals in "Learn to Dance", and "After the Fire" is upbeat and catchy and a decent enough song, though sounds almost identical to plenty of songs you hear playing in American Eagle, or some other mainstream store that tries to be indie/hipster. Obviously this is Andrew's music and he's going to do what he wants, and his reason for ending Jack's Mannequin was to start doing something new, but I hope this is just him doing some experimenting, and that he will return to feature his piano playing more heavily, rather than electronic sounds. I think his older music sounds much more authentic. The lyrics on this EP seem a little more personal to him, but it sounds as if he's trying to go more in the direction of that cookie-cutter pop/dance stuff they play on the radio. And all I have to say about that is PLEASE NO.

Love these four songs so much! They've been on repeat for weeks. It's a refreshing sound and the lyrics are inspirational, as always.