Live Review: Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness, Mike Waters

After a three year-long absence, Andrew McMahon was back on Aussie shores in his latest incarnation, Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness.

Mike Waters got things going for the night with a set of acoustic gems. Decked out in a flanno and jeans, the meek musician's music mirrored the simplicity of his dress sense and this lack of pretension managed to draw a crowd in. Waters' set comprised meaningful numbers that touched on sensitive subjects like depression and his mother's passing, soft-spoken lyrics literally bringing tears to the eyes of this reviewer's plus one.

Ominous smoke billowed throughout the venue during intermission, prompting fans to move just that little bit closer to the stage. Andrew McMahon needed no introduction as he and his band In The Wilderness quietly took to the stage and kicked things off with All Our Lives. From there, the man unleashed a tidal wave of favourites onto the crowd, track after track spurring on cries of "I fucking love this song!" and the like. The mere mention of McMahon's former band Something Corporate made the crowd lose their shit, fans singing along to every word of Ruthless with conviction.

McMahon was effortlessly cool on stage, at times even holding the mic in one hand while playing piano with the other. He soon proved discontent when staying still, constantly moving back and forth from the piano to the front of the stage. A rendition of The Resolution, from McMahon's Jack's Mannequin days, was an uplifting experience celebrating his triumph over cancer, while the newer Driving Through A Dream filled the venue with a seriously danceable, Bowie-esque vibe. The band soon snuck away, leaving McMahon front and centre for Rainy Girl, an ode to his baby girl and newfound fatherhood.

The final performance of the night, Synesthesia, saw McMahon throw a giant parachute over the crowd, the man himself soon joining the audience under the colourful topping. As fans exited the venue, they were clearly elated they'd had the opportunity to see their idol up close.

It's difficult to explain what being at an Andrew McMahon gig feels like. An overwhelming sense of acceptance, fun and — as corny as it sounds — togetherness filled Amplifier Bar the entire time the man was there. Quite frankly, he can change his band name as many times as he wants, as long as he keeps putting on shows like this one.