ANDREW MCMAHON/MICHIGANDER/WILDERMISS – COLLEGE STREET
On November 28, Andrew McMahon in the wilderness brought his “New Friends” tour to a packed College Street Music Hall with Michigander and Wildermiss in support.
It was a beautiful night in downtown New Haven and I was excited to catch all three bands. Andrew McMahon in the wilderness is an amazing talent, while the Michigander is especially famous. Wildermiss was an unknown entity, but I was eager to make a new discovery.
Wildermiss was first. The Denver trio recently released their self-titled debut Levitate. Most of tonight's picks were off that record. Their sound is a mix of indie, pop and organic rock. Emma Cole (Lead Vocals/Synths) is the perfect face. Her vocals were impressive and full of imaginative emotion. Joshua Hester (Guitar) created edgy soundscapes, while Caleb Thoemke (Drums) whipped up a cacophony of back-to-back turns.
Photos by Donna Marie Eriquezzo
College Street audiences quickly warmed to Wildermiss. Each successive song brought a louder round of applause. The trio was exciting and the music was real. You could feel every note to your very soul. Emma's stage demeanor was fascinating. Her vocals flooded the room with torrents of sparkling delight. “Supermagical” and “New Year's” were well received. “Wi-Fi” and “This Isn't How The Story Ends” were also highlights. My personal favorite was “Gettin' Old Rock & Roll”. Wildermiss was the perfect opener.
Michigander is the alter ego of Jason Singer, who hails from Michigan. I learned about Jason's efforts through the writings of my fellow journalist and friend, Jeff Archuleta. Jeff publishes the amazing website, Eclectic music lover. In my opinion, his knowledge is some of the best. Well, I've heard the Michigander enough. I have always found his music powerful and harmonically rich.
The Singer took the stage with a full band and immediately drew the crowd in with his friendly disposition. But I felt something was wrong. His vocals were slightly off center and the band seemed to drag. “Better”, than his own ER Everything will be fine in the end, did not have the expected charge. As the songs progressed, I felt like something was missing. When Singer acknowledged that the entire band was sick, but didn't want to disappoint the audience by not playing, I totally got it. They really were soldiers.
Despite battling the disease, the Michigander still gave an emotional performance. “Superglue”, “Cannonball” and “The Other Way” from the 2023 EP; It will never be the same put the viewers in a divine groove. His new single, “East Chicago, IN” positively engaged the room. Overall, Michigander delivered a strong outing. I'd definitely like to catch them at another show when it's all up to date.
Andrew McMahon in the wilderness is his latest incarnation Andrew McMahonhis musical career. His previous credits included Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin who still play occasionally. This tour was christened “New Friends” and McMahon he faced the room as if we'd been hanging out forever. The boundaries between performer and audience seemed to dissolve easily. His set was totally entertaining. It was set up as a campsite with a tent, fire and crew dressed as rangers. Everything was whimsical.
Photos by Donna Marie Eriquezzo
McMahon entered the stage from the back of the house, singing as she walked down the main aisle. From the beginning, this excited his fans. His first song was “Nobody Tells You When You're Young” from his latest album No More Tilt At The Wind. This set the mood for the entire evening. McMahon'His songs are personal and tell amazing stories. He went right into a cover of Something Corporate's “I Woke Up in a Car.” From there he played his massive hits 'Stars' and 'Fire Escape'. I believe everyone on College Street was singing as loud as he was.
His 21-song set included several standouts. McMahonThe covers of “Little Disaster”, “Smoke & Ribbons”, “Konstantine” and “Skywriting” were fantastic. His relationship with his adoring fans was something to witness. It looked like we were all enjoying a night at the campsite. Throughout the show, she adorned a colorful light-up cape, crowd surfed a giant llama float and told stories that resonated with everyone in attendance. He certainly made “new friends” and enjoyed the old ones.
Plus, the music was great. McMahonThe piano expertise was excellent. The band swirled with dazzling guitar fills and gorgeous harmonies. He closed with wonderful renditions of “La La Lie” and the monster tune, “Cecilia and the Satellite” written for his daughter. The encore was “New Friends” and “Dark Blue”, a cover of Jack's Mannequin.
The only thing he described about the evening is magical. Both in a musical context and in personal interpretation. Andrew McMahon in the wilderness he is my new “best friend”.
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