Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
“Home”
http://micaelklok.com/uploads/Home.mp3
At first listen, you’ll either be wrapped inside of it, or you’ll just write it off as a simple, cheesy ballad. I’m wrapped.
Generally, I have problems with cutesy, head-bobbing tracks, but the authenticity and play between the singers, frontman Alex Ebert (formerly of Ima Robot) and Jade Castrinos is too inviting, too charming. And this is from a guy who hates “charming” things.
After minor research, the critics label this as neo-hippie rock, or hippie-ster (lame). I believe this has more to do with the persona and image the band is emitting, rather than the music itself (though I’ve only heard a handful of songs).
Something I enjoy seeing more and more is the proliferation of horns fused into modern rock songs / bands. I’m referring to the way Broken Social Scene (and ES & the MZ) utilizes multi-instrumentalists / a horn section, not the way ska bands use them.
Once I have moved and scraped some cash together, this is an album I will be purchasing.
The best professional write-up I found is located here:
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/19/entertainment/et-edwardsharpe19
enjoy.