The Pop Underground is an EP by Andrew McMahon, marking his first official debut as a solo artist separated from his prior bands Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin.

The EP received a mainly positive response from music critics, with reviewers praising the release for its upbeat, poppy sound.

[1] Frontman Andrew McMahon considered it the final part of the Jack's Mannequin story[2] that was initially meant to only last for a single album.

"Sister Golden Hair Surprise" was recorded by Jim Wirt at Crushstone Studios, Cleveland, Ohio.

[11] McMahon was inspired by Miike Snow, Niki & the Dove, My Morning Jacket, Andrew Bird and Atlas Genius.

McMahon received a phone call from one of his friends, which gave him flashbacks from his earlier days growing up in Ohio.

[15] The EP was intended for release in February 2013,[6] however, he ended up receiving a support slot offer from Fun in December 2012.

He didn't plan to gather a backing band until February,[6] but managed to get some of his friends around Christmas 2012 and spent a week learning around 20 songs.

[22] Some physical editions offered a 7" vinyl single which featured an alternative version of "Synesthesia" and a cover of "Sister Golden Hair Surprise" by America.

AllMusic reviewer Gregory Heaney found it akin to "a more grounded and restrained" version of Jónsi, the frontman for Sigur Rós.

[26] Max Barrett of Rock Sound said McMahon "return[ed] in fine form" on the release, praising his voice for sustaining "the same tones" that made him stand out.

"[14] Melodic reviewer John Wippsson said McMahon provided "cute and catchy pop in a luxurious format.

"[11] While The Stylus' Brandon Wood lauded the songs "unique" musicality, he found them lacking in lyrical quality, save for "After the Fire".

"[15] Though Diffuser.fm writer Beth Kellmurray enjoyed "Synesthesia", she said the "synth and auto-tuning" come across "as crutches" for McMahon, becoming a "distraction" for the rest of the tracks.