Andrew McMahon might have two decades of hits – from his days with Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin to his solo work under his own name and moniker Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness – but the one song he can't shake from being requested is 'Konstantine'.
Sydney's show at The Factory Theatre (19 September) is no different. The punters call for it numerous times, but alas no joy.
Which is sad news for us, but not so sad news for any other cities penned on this tour as he explains, rather pragmatically, that if he plays 'Konstantine' at one gig he'll never hear the end of it at all subsequent gigs. Touché.
Instead, what he launches into is a welcome mix of classic hits and new favourites, most joined by opener and long-time touring buddy Zac Clark. He's a lanky fellow with a hillbilly-style beard and a smooth, indie-country sound that goes down a treat.
But before Zac re-enters, it's just Andrew onstage; electronic keys placed atop his baby grand, where he sits cross-legged, enabling him to face his audience front-on and from an elevated position.
Darkness enfolds and red lights capture his features as he sings 'Love And Great Buildings' off last year's record 'Zombies On Broadway', readying us for an acoustic night in with a man and his piano.
Finding his seat behind the keys of his baby grand, Andrew belts his way through classics 'I'm Ready' and 'Punk Rock Princess' before sending hearts soaring with an ode to his daughter 'Rainy Girl'.
It's here where Zac is welcomed back onstage to provide back-up keys, vocals and percussion. There is a perfect harmony with not a note going astray as their voices dance across the stage together and is a testament to both his talents and the duo's musical friendship.
Andrew plays all the right cards tonight, sharing personal anecdotes and conversing with the audience in between tracks, channelling his music teacher to conduct singing and clapping sessions for 'Fire Escape' and 'Dead Man's Dollar', respectively, bringing it all in with a sing-along to 'La La Lie' and belting out 'Bruised', 'Dark Blue' and 'Cavanaugh Park' to name a few hot favourites.
Sure, he might not have played 'Konstantine' (well, he spent all of two seconds playing a "dicky" version of it) but having run through an epic, 20-strong song set to sum up his 20-strong years on the circuit, no one at The Factory can possibly say they left this concert in any other state but happy.
