Andrew McMahon is no stranger to style changes - a man who began his career as a West Coast punk-rock frontman in Something Corporate to a piano-playing solo songwriter in Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness. The 34-year old musician’s sophomore solo project under the new moniker continues the evolution cycle into territory that flawlessly fits Andrew McMahon. The musical theatre that’s bloomed over the course of McMahon’s career reaches new heights in Zombies On Broadway, so much that the record could expand into a pop musical.
Opening with the audio of a subway racing through the undergrounds streets through of The Big Apple quickly transitions into “Brooklyn, You’re Killing Me” - track that’s much more poppy than anything in McMahon’s diverse repertoire, yet still Andrew McMahon-esque in the lyrical transitions and overall vibe.
Similarly appealing is “So Close,” a song that features an infectious danceable beat that’s paired with melodious spoken words reminiscent of “I’m Ready” from Everything in Transit. With such an ability to produce singalong worth hits, it’s surprising that McMahon hasn’t cracked the radio airwaves more times than not.
Zombies On Broadway is the type of record where at least half the songs could’ve been lead singles. Make no mistake, the actual lead single “Fire Escape” is a vibrant example of where McMahon is coming from an going. It perfectly splits the difference, teleporting listeners back to the beauty of the self-titled Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness while offering glimpses of the singer/songwriter’s stylistic future.
There’s little not to enjoy about Zombies On Broadway. Even “Dead Man’s Dollar,” “Walking In My Sleep” and “Birthday Song” hold a special place on this album. It’s undeniable that over the last decade, McMahon was one of the most gifted songwriters to rise from the scene. He’s always been able to confidently express surprisingly mature lyrics (Andrew McMahon wrote Leaving Through A Window when he was 19) with upbeat melodies, but Zombies On Broadway surfaces on a new level. While some fans might wrinkle their nose, McMahon has always had that pop bone in his body and Zombies On Broadway serves as the artist’s easel for mainstream success.
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