Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Back with their sophomore effort entitled simply “Here,” Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros pick up where they left off with their Polyphonic Spree-esque sound and happy-go-lucky band of misfits. Here proves to be a more mellow side of Edward Sharpe with the whole album seeming to be the band’s own personal tribute to great artists of the 60’s and 70’s. Everyone from Johnny Cash on “Man on Fire,” to Carole King on “Dear Believer,” to The Beatles on “Mayla,” to Bob Marley on “One Love to Another,” are represented. Despite the success of the kitschy single “Home” on the last album, the band instead focuses on laid-back musicality and straightforward lyrics. Much of the album is center around the subject of religion, not in a preachy way but in a joyous way that anyone despite religious affiliations can enjoy. “Fiya Wata” provides Jade Castrinos’s vocals a chance to shine and does not disappoint. Finally, “All Wash Out” closes the album in the most complementary way and is by far one of the album’s standout tracks.

If you crave the upbeat sound of “Up From Below,” “That’s What’s Up” is your best bet. If you are in the mood for a more somber Edward Sharpe, I highly recommend “Child.”