When it comes to psychedelic folk music, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are a blast from the past with their take on laid-back 60's soul-rock while at the same time having that modern sound that anyone can fall in love with. They got some funky songs, a few R&B tinged Americana numbers and even a few ballads. A great combination of these styles of music is what sets Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros apart from a lot of bands out there today and is also the reason why they have such a huge fan base nowadays. Never afraid to push the envelope a bit in an effort to progress as a band, the music collective led by vocalists Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos have their third self-titled album currently out and it's bound to put you in the groove to make you move along with a couple others that'll put you in deep thought. This album is all about liberating the senses, breaking away from what holds you down and living for the day. One thing I find beautifully captivating about Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is the wonderful harmony between Ebert's and Castrino's voices, and you can definitely notice that on the new album. It kind of has a jamming feel to it, but not like Phish or any of that crap that plays the same note for 20 minutes to fuel your acid trip. By jamming I mean that you can picture these guys sitting in a circle in the middle of a dandelion field with a plethora of instruments and in turn dancing, singing and playing their hearts out because it's what they want to express. Yes, I just described a day in the life of a hippie commune but if there is any band that gives you that perception it's Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.
I know this review is a tad late but hey, it's been a rough week for yours truly. The dog days of summer are upon us and be sure that the sun will have it's last gasp of intense heat in the form of rising temperatures before we wear ugly sweaters so I suggest riding it out and staying cool. Speaking of cool, it's time for me to name my highly recommended tracks off of my Album Of The Week (how about that for a introduction?). It's always tough but someone's gotta do it, here goes something: "Better Days" has a splendid guitar riff and drum beat, if you don't feel the need to snap your fingers and shuffle your feet then I don't know what you are doing with your life. "Let's Get High" makes me want to light one up, eat a cookie and clap my hands, old-school gospel tinged pop that'll get you lifted. "Please!" is a peace & love anthem with a whole lot of soul, I think John Lennon would have really liked this one if he was still around. "Two" has that perfect harmony between Ebert and Castrinos that I mentioned earlier, an amazing pleasure to listen to. I know I only named a few, but don't let that fool you. The new album from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is impeccable from front to back and absolutely deserves your undivided attention. Unfortunately Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros will not be stopping through New England on their current tour but if you're in the great state of Michigan I suggest you see them at The MO POP Festival on August 17th in Sterling Heights where they'll be part of an amazing lineup. For you classy folk in St. Louis, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros will be at LouFest going on during September 7th & 8th as well. I know the summer has been getting to me like the rest of us, but it's also the prime time for festival season in the United States. Go check out Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros if they're playing a big bash near you and while you're at it get their new self-titled album. It'll make you be a freak and wear funny clothes, but you're gonna love it. |
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