Sean McMahon is most recently known for his exceptional guitar work with great Melbourne songstress Suzannah Espie. His work on Espie’s last album (Mother’s Not Feeling Herself Today) was a critical ingredient to its success. In fact, it was one of my favourite releases of 2015. McMahon’s influence extends to her live shows as well.
But there’s a lot more to McMahon than guitar side-kick. He has made his mark with alt. country outfits Downhills Home, Sean McMahon’s Western Union and his concept album Welcome to Gippsland.
With his new band The MoonMen (Josh Duiker -drums, Michael Hubbard -bass and Ben Franz – Pedal Steel), McMahon has extended his musical palette to Americana, psychedelic country and alternate rock on Shiner (to be released April 1 2016 on MGM).
Shiner contains plenty of personal reflections, many of which are pretty painful – leaving behind personal hang-ups, breaking downward spirals and harking back to dark moments. Above all, it’s a testament to the power of creating music to cope with these shadowy thoughts. This intensity helps make Shiner an important release.
Having said all that, there’s a lot more going on with this record than dark, profound lyrics. There are terrific riffs, engaging jangling guitar and McMahon’s vocals which echo Chuck Prophet or Ray Davies.
The alt. country opener ‘House Of Mirrors’ has great cross-wired guitars. ‘Broken Hill’ is a highlight – catchy, tough and defiant, with well-crafted guitar work and supportive pedal steel, while ‘Lie To Yourself’ is a convincing fuzzy rocker, with tough questions being posed. ‘Here Comes The Night’ is quieter with intensely personal lyrics and more great guitar hooks, while ‘Turn To You’ is another stand-out, a deliberate and tender plea, a minimal acoustic number which draws you in inexorably.
Jemma Rowlands adds some vocal embellishment to an older song, ‘Further To Run’ which chronicles hope and friendship. ‘Holiday From My Dreams’, which was finished in a tiny hotel room overlooking Paris rooftops, cranks it back up. The title track is a rocky closer, with some Led Zeppelin-influenced riff.
Sean McMahon & The MoonMen have delivered a collection that is reflective, personal and rocking – and doesn’t that make a great combo for an album?
Here’s the video for ‘House Of Mirrors’:
Up to the release date of April 1, you can pre-order Shiner here.
—
Sean McMahon & The MoonMen are heading out for a short run of shows to launch the album.
.
SHINER ALBUM LAUNCH DATES
Wednesday April 6 (solo)
Gasoline Pony.
with Elwood Myre
free, 8pm
115 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW
Ph: 02 9569 2668
Friday April 8
The Junkyard
with Elwood Myre
free 8.30pm
88 Church St, Maitland NSW
Ph: 02 4933 5242
Saturday April 9
Stag & Hunter
with Elwood Myre
free 8.30pm
187 Maitland Rd, Mayfield NSW
Ph: 02 4968 1205
Sunday April 10
Marrickville Bowlo
with Elwood Myre
free 4pm
91 Sydenham Rd, Marrickville NSW
Ph: 02 9557 1185
Saturday April 16
Bella Union
with guests Luke Brennan(Big Smoke) and St Jude
54 Victoria St, Carlton VIC
Ph: 03 9650 5699
Tickets $12/$15, doors 8pm
via Annie Johnsson Publicity
***
