Look Up From Below, it’s Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

By WallyDu

I couldn’t wait to chime in on the most interesting new band I’ve heard in a while. Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros is the folk-rock brainchild of Alex Ebert former Ima Robot frontman. He says the band’s musical style is a tribute to their efforts to follow their most childlike musical impulses.

Alex; an obvious journeyman; had lost his record deal. He met up with the Zeros other vocalist Jade Castrinos and began what he refers to as a quest for what was truly important in life. Half way through an online interview Jade straight up says they were tripping on mushrooms for five years. The traveling experiences echo heavily in the band’s début album “Up From Below.”

Edward and the Magnetic Zeros are characters in a story Alex wrote about a man who was “sent down to Earth to kinda heal and save mankind…but he kept getting distracted by girls and falling in love.” The Band has developed a 12-part feature-length musical based on the characters. The first of which,the surreal ” Desert Song,” another one of the bands stand out pieces.

The début album “Up From Below” combines free melodies and soulful lyrics making it an excellent piece of music to throw on and chill out to. If I had to describe them, I might say Johnny Cash on Acid. But in a peaceful way, not a bad “Tenacious D” trip way. Maybe mixed with a little Fleet Foxes (another excellent band to listen to). Songs like “Janglin” and “Home”(former NPR song of the day) make it a must check out. If that’s even a thing. What really makes Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros interesting is their whole vibe, as clear in their appearance on Letterman. It’s good to see musicians comfortable being whatever they want. That just what I’m into.