Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

A few months ago I opened an issue of Rolling Stone and saw a two page picture of whats posted to the right. It was the "Artist to watch" section. The picture alone had me intrigued because I have always had an affinity for what I guess I would call family bands. Its mostly groups that seem to eat, sleep, and live together at all times, but its really more about harmonizing and hitting joyous climaxes in songs...in unison. You know groups like The Beach Boys, The Jackson 5, The Mamas and Papas, The Grateful Dead, and even The Everly Brothers. Confusing lineup eh? Anyway, these guys looked like relatives of Devandra Banhardt but slightly-less weird. They look like your average run of the mill hippies instead of far-out cultist freaks. In other words not scary hippie. I continued to read and was even more perplexed to find out that there is not an Edward Sharpe in the band. The lead singer used to be the lead man of a punk/dance band called Ima Robot. This band did not look like they used anything with electricity besides a microphone. I had to listen to this. Their debut is called 'Up From Below'. At first listen I loved it. They are basically a psychedelic folk band reveling in the old styles of the aforementioned family bands. Its a bit 'chanty' and over joyous but is no doubt a record even your Mom might like. The first track "40 Day Dream" is very Motown and before you know it you are singing along to the chorus line " the magical mystery kind"! There are some who would discount Ed Sharpe and the Mag Zeros as a group making nostalgic music as a gimmick, especially given the lead singers background, but I dare you to not let this record grow on you. It seems like it was meant to be listened to on whole, but if you want a quick pick me up try out songs like "Home" and "Jangling".


They are playing at Lincoln Hall on November 27th.


MP3 "40 Day Dream"