Album Review: Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros - Here

12 June 2012 | 10:40 am | Lynn McDonnell

This production shows an experienced musician, songwriter and producer that isn’t afraid of the highly personal element of the lyrics.

The wholesome and charming Here is the second album from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and is a true celebration of Americana music. A humble nine songs make up an album reminiscent of the roots music that became a permanent part of the American national consciousness in the '50s. The contemporary curve ball comes in the form of hippy vibes and layered harmonic textures in a vein similar to that of The Polyphonic Spree or The Soggy Bottom Boys.

We are introduced to this collection with Man On Fire, an invigorating song that makes the most out of Alex Ebert's vocals. Ebert, the man behind the alter ego Edward Sharpe, is no stranger to the music scene, previously leading power group Ima Robot. This production shows an experienced musician, songwriter and producer that isn't afraid of the highly personal element of the lyrics.

A total of 16 musicians are recorded as contributing to this album and therein lies the potential for the bluesy vocals of Jade Castrinos and Ebert to disappear behind a mass of hype and instrumentals. As Dear Believer proves however, it is possible to maintain musical splendour and minimal quality in the light of maximum participation.

Here has an understated and highly polished sound that encapsulates the mood of communal living and takes you to a cornfield in Indiana where pigtails are prevalent and want is determined by need. That's What's Up, a song with beautiful layered harmonies and an a capella bridge, energised by some old school systematic hand clapping is the essence of these themes and the album's ambience.

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