Firing out of LA, this 10 piece mass of folk/hippie music delivers a damn enjoyable debut without the help of anyone named Edward Sharpe. Alex Ebert is the leader of this hot mess of hair, sandals, flowly dresses and patchouli (that part was just an educated guess). They sound like they should be reliving their old Laurel Canyon days instead of just emerging onto the scene. Even the cover art is dying to adorn vinyl that’s collecting dust in a milk crate in your parents attic. Instead, it pops up on your iPod.I don’t know if their overflowing joy is for real or some kind of shtick, but at a time when so many acts make a living off of acting aggrieved and miserable, these guys are a breath of fresh hair. They are happy. They love you and everybody in their vicinity. They are not afraid to show it.
“Home” and “Jangling” are the two tunes that make you want crap sunshine. Ebert and girlfriend Jade Castrinos have an unbridled joy that will find its way into many iPod mixes. While their are some standout singles, this album is meant to be listened to as a whole. There are even a few dips in the serotonin levels on songs like “Desert Song” which keep their sound varied.
It remains to be seen whether Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros are a band that can withstand the test of time and continue producing enjoyable releases or if this musical happiness is just a passing fad.
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