every now and again, you come across a band that has instantly recognizable sound. you can’t compare them to other bands to describe what their music sounds like, because it is a unique combination of elements that is just one-of-a-kind.
edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros are one of these rare outfits. when you stumble upon a band that comes with 16 musicians, its’ own cosmology and music videos that leave you scared by transfixed, you can be certain you’re on to something.
i was walking down the street, past a funky tattoo parlor, when i heard a set of sounds coming out of the open door that was completely entrancing. so much so, i popped inside and asked what was playing. the heavily inked woman at the counter said, “you’re the third person that’s walked in here to ask what was playing since i threw this record on. it’s edward sharpe and the magnetic, zeros. they’re from california.” fronted by alex ebert and jade castrinos esmz, are a band on a mission. they claim they are here to tell the story of edward sharpe, a fallen god who’s been placed on the planet to save the world, but keeps falling prey to the most human of distractions: wine, women and song. maybe they won’t save the world, but they will save you from boring music. they create a wild rumpus of layered vocals, synthesizers, lap steel, percussion and pianons. they also bring their own announcer who gets an additional instrument credit for ‘laughs’, sound intriguin? it most certainly is.
