Up From Below

By Caitlyn Holroyd

Though it’s a little embarrassing to admit, I discovered this band after hearing their catchy sing-a-long “Home” playing in pretty much every store I’ve ventured into over the past few weeks. Thus began my recent obsession with Edward Sharpe & Magnetic Zeros, an LA hippie band who tour on an old Greyhound bus and take publicity shots on what looks like communal farmland from the sixties.

No Edward Sharpe to be found, Alex Ebert (formally of the indie dance group Ima Robot) fronts the troupe of messy-haired, flowy-dressed musicians, which includes his girlfriend Jade Castrinos. Watching them live, the couple’s chemistry is undeniable, each unable to take their eyes off the other for more than a few seconds.

Like Johnny Cash and June Carter mixed with the Polyphonic Spree, Sgt. Pepper-era Beatles and some Arcade Fire, the album is an eclectic mix of emotionally-charged songs with plenty of influences. Lyrics like “Hot and heavy/Pumpkin pie/Chocolate candy/Jesus Christ/Ain’t nothing please me more than you” will easily have you kissing away your cynicism.

While the band is clearly in their own happy hippie world, they’ve got plenty of love and good vibes to ‘round and will have you dancing barefoot and growing out your locks in a fit of joy.

Check them out: http://www.myspace.com/edwardsharpe