Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Reviewed by John Hyland
The psychedelic funk of the 1960s returns in Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ third studio album, conveniently titled, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. The folk-rock band breathes new life into musical styles of the past, instilling an amiable nostalgia for listeners. The band, best known for their 2010 hit “Home”, delivers a powerful performance in Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros that takes their fans on a musical journey of effervescence and introversion.
The band takes on a greater depth in their lyrics this time around, diverging from their typical cosmic campfire sound. “This Life” opens with, “I’ve been trying to pretend that death is my friend/I’ve been lying to myself, not to nobody else,” adding a self-reflective idiosyncrasy before a beautifully explosive chorus which divides your attention between it and front man Alex Ebert’s expressive confessions.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is a soulful and raw compilation of songs, diving deeper into facets the band has only grazed over before. The album is built on the stepping stones laid down by artists of the 1960s and 70s, but holds onto the essentials of modern music. Ebert reaches listeners on a personal level, opening our minds to the ideas of yesteryear with the conviction to look forward and live for tomorrow.
Rating: Bad-ass
