Jack's Mannequin is catchy, emo, angst-ridden and air guitar worthy

Welcome back, Jack's Mannequin. It's been almost four years since the group played here to a sold-out crowd in the Lily Center. The quartet hails from Orange County, Calif., where they began in 2004. Members include pianist and lead singer/songwriter Andrew McMahon, guitarist Bobby Anderson, bassist Jonathan Sullivan and drummer Jay McMillan. Prior to their formation, McMahon served as front man for the band Something Corporate. He initially formed Jack's Mannequin as a side project after Something Corporate decided to take a temporary hiatus in 2004. Even though Something Corporate has little to show over the last six years, it will reunite for a few tour dates in 2010 and plan on re-recording two old songs. Additionally, Jack's Mannequin plans on releasing its third studio album in the fall of 2010. Sounds like a busy year for McMahon.

Although both groups have a similar music style, that of piano-led pop punk, more personal, intimate lyrics separate Jack's Mannequin from its predecessor. The most likely cause for this shift is McMahon's fight with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when the band first started. Luckily, he made a full recovery, and Jack's Mannequin has gone on to release two full length studio records; "Everything in Transit" (2005) which peaked at number 37 on the Billboard 200, and "The Glass Passenger" (2008) which peaked at number eight.

The band performs at 8 p.m. Saturday evening in Kresge Auditorium, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for pre-sale in the Union Building, room 100 and in the Green Center before the concert. The cost for tickets is $10 for DePauw students and$15 for guests.



Jack's Mannequin - "Everything in Transit" - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Catchy melodies. Laid-back vibes. Emotive lyrics. Teen/College-age angst. These are the descriptions that critics have used to capture the sound of Jack's Mannequin. What this demonstrates is that critics, more often than not, reach their final verdict based on the image, the representation and the "worth" of the band in the greater music world, rather than musical quality. Even if their lyrics do emulate a sort of youthful naivety and "emo" tone, it certainly doesn't take away from the enjoyment of listening to a band that our generation can relate to.

Mannequin's release of "Everything in Transit" (2005) immediately brought them to the forefront of the punk-pop world. Mannequin resembles the all-too-familiar teen rockers at a crossroads between continuing its music or 'going straight'. Its main strength - common with many pop bands - is its ability to incorporate catchy melodies over a simple chord progression. Remember "Mixed Tape?" You will after one listen through. Jack's Mannequin is one of those bands where at least one of its songs is on your iPod playlist.

What is surprising about Mannequin, though, is its relative unfamiliarity. In an industry with such well-known names as All-American Rejects and the resurgence of pop-punk inspiration Green Day, Mannequin has still been unable to rise to the level of its contemporaries in terms of wide recognition. Don't let that deter you, especially if you're a fan of the genre. What is unique about Jack's Mannequin is its inclusion of the piano. Think punk meets Ben Folds. It's what sets apart this band from many of its more familiar contemporaries. McMahon's piano work allows the band to explore different sounds and draw from different areas of inspiration, see the U2-esque "Bruised" and soft ballad "Rescued" for reference.

Even if its lyrics don't tug or pull at your emotions, Jack's Mannequin's catchy numbers makes it one of those bands for which you'll quickly want to grab your guitar (or any other instrument) and sing along. It's SoCal music at its best, and though some might detest the angst-ridden lyrics and pop feel, you still can't say it isn't good.



--Lesswing, a senior from St. Charles, Ill., is majoring in political science and history. Pannekoek, a junior from Chesterson, Ind., is majoring in English writing. They are both music columists for The DePauw.

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