Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness & Something Corporate | Death Grip Review

by Bea Willis

In a surprising and invigorating move, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, fronted by the prolific Andrew McMahon, has released a new single, “Death Grip,” marking a significant moment in his storied career. Known for his roles in Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin, McMahon has reinvented his sound again, blending his introspective songwriting with the high-energy pop-punk essence of his early 2000s band.

Over the last two decades, Andrew McMahon has successfully experienced musical rebirth many times and has consistently arrived on the other side more vital than ever. The East Coast-born, SoCal-based artist first co-founded the pop-punk outfit Something Corporate in 1998, serving as the group’s singer, pianist, and songwriter and leading the band to major chart success in the early 2000s via the albums Leaving Through The Window (2002) and North (2003). Soon after, McMahon resurfaced with the more personal solo project Jack’s Mannequin, finding success through three studio albums, with the second (The Glass Passenger, 2008) and third (People and Things, 2011) entering the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and their debut, Everything In Transit (2005), reaching Gold status.

In 2014, McMahon released his debut album under his own name and new moniker, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, featuring the breakout top 5 alternative radio singles “Cecilia and the Satellite” and “Fire Escape.” Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness has since released the hook-packed albums Zombies On Broadway (2017), Upside Down Flowers (2018), and Tilt At The Wind No More(2023), amassing over 325 million total streams to date, performing at such marquee festivals as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Riot Fest, and Firefly, and touring alongside the likes of Weezer, Panic! at the Disco, Gavin DeGraw, Allen Stone, and Dashboard Confessional as well as one of McMahon’s idols, Billy Joel. McMahon has also sold nearly 2.5 million albums across all of his musical projects, received an Emmy nomination for his work on the NBC show “Smash,” and released his memoir Three Pianos in 2021, which is also available as an audiobook read by Andrew with special musical sections he exclusively scored for this. Additionally, in 2006, McMahon founded the Dear Jack Foundation after surviving his own battle with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) at the age of 22. The nonprofit charity provides impactful programming that directly benefits adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer to improve their quality of life and create positive health outcomes from treatment to survivorship for patients and their families.

Something Corporate was first formed in 1998 when its members were in high school and, in a short period, created quite a stir before going on hiatus in 2005. During its tenure, the highly adored SoCal band released multiple albums, including their major label debut, Leaving Through The Window, in 2002 via MCA Records/Drive-Thru Records, which premiered at the top of the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, and 2003’s North, which entered the Billboard 200 at #24. During its heyday, the band toured extensively worldwide, including a summer on the Vans Warped Tour, graced the cover of Alternative Press magazine, and performed on late-night TV, including an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Collectively, Something Corporate – hailed as “one of the most respected groups in the scene with their incredible hooks and emotionally transparent music” (Alternative Press) – has sold over 1 million total records.

Big Loud Rock is the alternative/rock imprint of Big Loud Records, a dynamic music conglomerate that began its impressive journey in 2015. Under the leadership of CEO Seth England, a two-time Billboard Indie Power Player, the label has achieved monumental success with over 43 billion global on-demand streams, 22 No. 1 U.S. airplay, 33 No. 1 Canadian airplay hits, and more than 100 RIAA-certified titles. The Los Angeles-based rock arm is steered by seasoned music executive Greg Thompson, President of Big Loud Rock. Known for its innovative artist-development strategy, Big Loud Rock’s diverse roster includes genre standouts such as Blame My Youth, Letdown., HARDY, Jagwar Twin, Yam Haus, BIZZY, mercury, Dexter and The Moonrocks, and Zoe Ko. The imprint has made significant strides in the industry with HARDY’s first-ever No. 1 rock single “JACK,” Letdown and Blame My Youth’s inaugural Top 20 Alternative radio singles “Crying In The Shower” and “The Break,” and Jagwar Twin’s debut Top 40 record “Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa),” as they continue making waves in the alternative rock scene worldwide.

McMahon’s reflections on “Death Grip” reveal a journey of self-discovery and creative rejuvenation. “I honestly didn’t expect to be releasing new music this year,” McMahon shares. He speaks of the relentless cycle of writing, recording, releasing, and touring that has defined much of his career. However, after his last album, Tilt At The Wind No More (2023), he made a conscious decision to break away from this cycle. “Giving myself permission to enjoy home, enjoy the reunion shows, and work on other projects has been really good for me,” he reflects. This period of introspection and relaxation allowed McMahon to realize that some of the most significant moments in his life and career have come from letting go and trusting the natural flow of events.

“Death Grip” encapsulates this newfound philosophy. The song is a testament to finding balance and allowing life to unfold without forcing it. It’s about relinquishing control and embracing the rhythm of life. This theme resonates deeply with listeners, offering a sense of peace and acceptance.

The creation of “Death Grip” also marks a poignant reunion with his Something Corporate bandmates. McMahon admits he was initially nervous about proposing a collaboration after so many years, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. “They were so supportive and excited by the idea of taking what we did together so many years ago and layering it onto this Wilderness process I’ve worked within for the last 10 years,” he says. The recording sessions were filled with laughter, stories, and a seamless musical connection, as if no time had passed since their last collaboration.

From inception to release, “Death Grip” took less than three months. McMahon acknowledges the risks of rushing a project but believes that fast-tracking this song was true to its spirit. “It’s a song about letting go and having faith that everything will work out, so we’re letting it go,” he explains. This urgency and authenticity in its release are part of what makes “Death Grip” so compelling.

The support from Big Loud Rock has been instrumental in bringing “Death Grip” to life. Greg Thompson, President of Big Loud Rock, expresses the label’s excitement: “It’s a privilege for Big Loud Rock to release the first Something Corporate music in 20 years and be in business with Andrew McMahon. We are honored to be a partner in his amazing musical journey and are excited to help tell their story.”

“Death Grip” brings us a narrative of growth, reunion, and letting go. It showcases McMahon’s ability to continually evolve while staying true to his roots. Fans of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and Something Corporate will find much to love in this latest release, which shows McMahon’s enduring talent and the timeless chemistry of his original band. As the “Out Of Office Tour” kicks off, “Death Grip” sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in Andrew McMahon’s career.

Death Grip

Release Date: June 20, 2024

Label: Big Loud Rock

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.