Album Review: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Here

Alexander Ebert is a beguiling figure on the folk music scene, whether it be in his own guise (in the form of last year's great Alexander album), his manic side project Ima Robot, or as Edward Sharpe and his 11 Magnetic Zeros. He has made a living out of embracing folk music, hippy evangelism and free love, creating some incredible pop gems along the way. On Here, the Magnetic Zeros' second effort, following up the hugely successful Up From Below, the multi-coloured hooks and melodies are largely missing, in their stead a more sombre, choral approach that may alienate some of his current fanbase but will open up many others to his eclectic charms.

The key to Here, and indeed anything Ebert puts his name to, is control. The man has grafted an incredible array of musicians and singers around him to deliver these strongly gospel-influenced grassroots songs, allowing the soul to bountifully flow through. He skirts religious imagery on tracks like I Don't Wanna Pray or Child, before creating a kaleidoscopic celebration for humanity that any ol' atheist or agnostic prognosticator can join in on. Fiya Wata is the most boisterous track here, and the standout, highlighting Ebert's innate sense of the genre and its connection to down-home sentimentality. As always the themes inherent on Here are overtly positive, emphasising acceptance, hope and love, and this helps to increase the accessibility of the tracks on offer.

The songs on Here are made for singing along to in large crowds, yet offer much in the way of replay for individual listeners.