Review Summary: Edward Sharpe and his lovable band of hippies create a lush landscape of harmonies and 60's pop that harkens back to the Beatles-with great results.
Is Ed Sharpe the voodoo reincarnation of Charles Manson? After all, Sharpe dresses like the last four decades never happened, his musicians are less a back up band and more of an entire "family", and his music, filled with Beatles-esque lyrics and rich harmonies, would do any failed Beatles wannabe like Manson proud. Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is what the Manson family could have been; maybe if Manson showered a tad more often and focused on song writing rather than killing celebrities. Indeed, Edward Sharpe, who is actually a character created by the band's true lead, Alex Ebert, is supposed to be a "messianic figure, who keeps getting distracted by girls and falling in love."
There are, give or take, thirteen members of the Magnetic Zeros. THIRTEEN! With so many members, it would be easy to think the music becomes a muddy mess of warring instruments. But no, Sharpe keeps a tight focus on the vocals. It's easy to not even realize the xylophones or pianos or mandolins quietly adding to the melody. From the opening song, the Beatles' influence is clear. In 40 Day Dream, Sharpe seems to be leading his own Magical Mystery Tour when he sings, "It's a magical mystery kind/must be a lie." In the band's finest song, "Home" the Magnetic Zeros appear to be the happiest band on earth. One can not help but smile at the end of the song when the lead man tells his duet partner the story of when he fell in "deep deep deep love" with her. The album rarely loses steam, keeping it's peppy, upbeat energy well throughout the disc.
While the rich melodies and upbeat mood are fun, Up From Below has its problems. Sharpe, excuse me, Alex Ebert, seems to want to cram as much 60's nostalgia as he possibly can into every song. At times, the album loses its identity as an original piece of work and instead becomes a kind of reverential homage instead. After all, why listen to a kinks-esque song when one can just listen to the Kinks? But despite the occasional lack of originality, Sharpe more than makes up for it with his catchy melodies, hum along hooks and huggable lyrics. Up From Below is a great listen for any fan of Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit, or really any 60's pop-rock band.
