Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon rocks from his piano bench.Proving every bit

Jack’s Mannequin frontman Andrew McMahon rocks from his piano bench.Proving every bit as spirited and forceful as I’d anticipated, Andrew McMahon and the rest of the Jack’s Mannequin crew put on one of those rare shows that make Showbox SoDo feel enjoyable. The band debuted a live version of “The Lights and Buzz” for the first time, played a shockingly good cover of U2’s “New Year’s Day” and filled out a 16-song set with momentum that built through the encore–which, to his credit, McMahon disparaged as an indulgent tradition (earning him big points in my book).In the moment, the speech he launched into praising the unifying power of music felt not one bit contrived. And best of all, he promised a new record and an accompanying tour stop back in Seattle “real soon.”More photos from the show after the jump.Jack’s Mannequin guitarist Bobby “Raw” Anderson.Nate Ruess, frontman of fun.fun.