The production is just off-kilter enough to set them apart from the folk-rock pack, and they wisely resist the temptation to use their sprawling lineup as an excuse to imitate Arcade Fire.
There's enough creative progress here to prove that the band isn't in a holding pattern, though they're shrewd enough to still be easily recognizable to the audience that formed around their debut.
Love this album and have played it over and over. Beautifully crafted songs, great melodies and there aren't any tracks that sound likeLove this album and have played it over and over. Beautifully crafted songs, great melodies and there aren't any tracks that sound like "fillers". One of the best albums I have listened to in recent times, I have bought tickets to their concert in Sydney this October. As a bonus, I get to see Mumford and Sons as well!…Expand
Hippy songs to celebrate love & life. Sounds like Lambchop at times, with arrangements that resemble The Walker Brothers. Great album. I don'tHippy songs to celebrate love & life. Sounds like Lambchop at times, with arrangements that resemble The Walker Brothers. Great album. I don't know why it was dismissed by most critics, maybe the excess of love & religious imagery. But what's the damage!…Expand
Full review available at Manik Music http://www.manikmusic.net/reviews/edward-sharpe-and-the-magnetic-zeros-here/#
Edward Sharpe and theFull review available at Manik Music http://www.manikmusic.net/reviews/edward-sharpe-and-the-magnetic-zeros-here/#
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros quickly endeared themselves to love struck hippies who have a penchant for wearing their emotions on their shoulders. From their first album Up from Below, â…Expand
A very well crafted and under rated album. Despite the fact that some of the songs might be "too boring" or "too slow" for people who are notA very well crafted and under rated album. Despite the fact that some of the songs might be "too boring" or "too slow" for people who are not accustomed to the band's style, they are very well written and always enjoyable to listen to.…Expand
Here is pleasant escapism with an overwhelming theme of love. The short track list of 9 songs have enough variety for auditory distinctionHere is pleasant escapism with an overwhelming theme of love. The short track list of 9 songs have enough variety for auditory distinction while being highly accessible. Emulating the sound of those 70s hippie bands of yesteryear, Edward Sharpe reinforces the same messages that have been pedaled since Woodstock. There is more complex thought on Here, although the message is quite simple. For instance, in I Don't Wanna Pray, Sharpe recognizes a creator that he doesn't feel obligated to, while also acknowledging a strong affection for. Although sharpe ultimately chooses his own freedom before any god.Â
My issues with Here lie within the album's theme, more specifically the overuse of the the word love. In most (if not all) of Here's tracks, the word "love" is thrown around like it's going out of style. The impact of the word and over-sentimentality put a groan inducing gloss on the album. Had the sound and invention not been as strong, the album could have slogged on like a giant, neon painted, love snail. Thankfully Alex Ebert & Co. are highly talented musicians that bring a cohesive atmosphere and an old fashioned reminder of why we were taken with such greats as Simon & Garfunkel, The Band, or Cat Stevens.…Expand
Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros on the "Here" has once again proved that they are one of the elite folk today, because despite the factEdward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros on the "Here" has once again proved that they are one of the elite folk today, because despite the fact that this is only their second album - is it still maintained a good level. Songs are very melodic folk compositions, and the biggest plus for the band is a pure joy derriving from them. Undoubtedly, attention should be drawn to the instrumental diversity, distinctive vocals and a great-sounding backing vocals.…Expand