This 3 track sampler from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, a folk rock band in a psychedelic vein, is a brilliant introduction to their latest album “Up from Below”, and if the album manages to sustain the momentum of this, then it would be more then worth a listen.
The first track ’40 Day Dream’ is an extremely catchy psychedelic folk anthem from this eleven piece band led by Alex Ebert from Ima Robot, and with the opening lyrics "Ooh, I've been sleeping for 40 days 'n' yeah I know I'm sleeping cos this dream's too amazing"., then you know you’re on to a good thing. This has a lovely, soaring, uplifting chorus “Ah, it’s the magical mystery time, ah must be alive!” With excellent keyboard work which interplays well with the strings, clapping & stomping, this is something to make you feel good and put a big smile on your face!
Second track, ‘Janglin’ which starts with the sounds of a police siren and drums being clobbered before merging excellently with a strong acoustic guitar and the sort of choir-like sing-along backing vocal that wouldn’t have been out of place on a “Love” album. Again, with a strong chorus, and cleverly crafted lyrics about going on a journey “Said we’re out to prove the truth of, the man from Galilee”, this is another track that will have you whistling along within a few plays.
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The third track, ‘Carries On’ sustains the momentum, but only just. The lyrics “One love, one love, Ah carries on. One touch, one touch, Ah carries on” are clearly weaker than the first two tracks, however, the musical arrangement and vocals interplayed with the backing vocals left me thinking that this isn’t too far away from something that Neil Diamond would have produced around the time of ‘Soolaimon’. It is definitely the backing vocals that rescue this song from being boring.
Overall, I found this highly enjoyable, and will probably buy the album. They are currently touring the U.K. so take the opportunity and see them while you can.
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