Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: Here

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Here
Vagrant Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Here has its moments but does not surpass Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros's debut.

Album Review:
I am not sure everyone believed the authenticity behind Edward Sharpe's debut Up From Below [2009] as lead singer Alex Ebert was from a much different electro punk band Ima Robot and some even thought the 11 piece collective was a bit contrived with their 60's and 70's spirited output. I never disbelieved in the record and the single "Home", with stand out vocalist Jade Castrinos, is still a catchy favorite. Now fast forward 3 years and Edward Sharpe is back with his Magnetic Zeros delivering another round of folk rock that if anything should put to rest the authentic question as Here dives even deeper into the classic sounding roots folk genre.

The opening track "Man On Fire" is actually a very expected sounding song as it slowly builds on a hush Ebert's vocal until the chorus picks up and features the band chiming in for several hand clapping moments that represents their own folk church. "That's Whats Up" continues this 70's commune vibe as it brings back Castrinos's vocals to the forefront and possesses an upbeat tempo that is easy to stomp your feet and whistle right along with the group. From this point is where Here starts down a more calm and simple tone. This is not necessarily a bad thing as "Dear Believer" is a perfect track for a lazy Sunday but the overall tranquility actually loses a little of warmth and depth that made certain aspects of Up From Below shine.

Overall, if you were a fan of Edward Sharpe's debut then Here will be an entertaining listen. The album starts off much stronger than it finishes and I don't believe the singles have a great staying power. With that said, Here is a record that will play nicely in the background and honestly holds up better as a complete package than its individual tracks. I also think that Here is a sophomore record that maybe didn't get everything right and struggles to surpass its debut but still is a solid statement that Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are no gimmick and it just might be the catalyst the collective needs for something special next time out.

Key Tracks: "That's Whats Up", "Dear Believer", "Man On Fire"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Plants And Animals
The Mamas And The Papas
Portugal. The Man

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: Up From Below [Fire Note Review 7/31/09]

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Website
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Facebook
Vagrant Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony