BAND REVIEW: EDWARD SHARPE AND THE MAGNETIC ZEROS

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is a band that looks like it stepped straight out of the 70s. Don't be distracted by the lead singer, Alex Ebert, and the bun in his hair or his unbuttoned shirt--the music makes up for that. Although the ten-member band is full of hippies that go on tour in a school bus, they bring something fresh to music and have tunes that sound like they're the long lost brother of The Arcade Fire. 

Although the band is fairly new/underground/fresh, they've gotten a lot of recognition after their hit single, "Home," was featured on the television series, Ugly Betty. It's a song that makes many wonder if they're on drugs because of how happy they are, or just really in love. You can hear a trumpet, accodion, and a piano in the mix, as Ebert sings along to his girlfriend, Jade Castrinos. Their romance is clear in the song and in interviews, only sparking more interest and admiration by fans.

They're currently touring California and performing in vintage venues that are attracting the state's hipsters, scenesters, and hippies--all looking to connect to the music and feel what the band feels when they sing. The authenticity of the band breaks the boundaries of social groups with songs like, "Jade" where Ebert sings about her beauty and how she's "the girl of the hour" and by bringing half the audience on the stage during their performances. They're known to not prepare their sets, which makes every type of fan more of an admirer of something real instead of worrying about their style or appearance.

Ebert was recently in the rock/pop band Ima Robot, which is quite the contrast with the blazers and short hair he used to wear. He was more trendy, sometimes wore makeup in his music videos, and emulated a singer who was inspired by David Bowie. Today, he posts inspirational quotes on his twitter and takes off his shoes when he dances. Although some might be leery of the band's "Don't drink the Kool-aid" look, the sounds of their voices and instruments break all expectations and prejudices by bringing something raw and organic to the music scene.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com