Introducing: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Stop what you’re doing. The award for the most joyous album of the month goes to this 11-piece barefooted hippie-folk outfit from LA.

Up from Below is a classic analogue-sounding album which sounds like it was recorded somewhere in the 60s by a cohort of close-knit kindred spirits intent on bringing some love to the world. It’s got that mystic, feel-good singalong vibe and an undeniable link to the counter-culture of the past. The band even tour in a big yellow school bus for jaysus sake.

There’s a psychedelia-influence and although it’s hard to pinpoint exact influences there are echoes of, as many have pointed out – Johnny Cash and June Carter, The Mamas and Papas, Dusty Springfield, Motown, Roy Orbison, a tinge of Arcade Fire bombastics and Ennio Morricone yet it still feels entirely fresh. It might be down to the exuberance of the band, particularly the vocalists Alex Ebert (formerly of Ima Robot) and Jade Castrinos’ boisterous timbre.

Huge props to Cougar Microbes for recommending these guys on the recent blogger trip to Paris. He’s so infatuated he went to all three of their London gigs recently.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – 40 Day Dream

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home

Daytrotter Session.

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