Live Review: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Editor’s Note: DeadJournalist.com welcomes Emily Hogan as our newest contributor. She is a welcome addition as she is one of the foremost authorities in emerging music in Atlanta – we are damn glad to have her. You can follow her on Twitter @emilyhogan or via her Web site Wholly Roller.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, July 10, 2010, Variety Playhouse, Atlanta
by: Emily Hogan

When I walked through the doors of the Variety Playhouse for the Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros show I saw a bunch of headband wearing, tie-dye sporting, happy-go-lucky hippies. I was ready to join these people in a night of dancing to some good music.

When I arrived into Little Five Points venue, Variety Playhouse, at about 9PM the opening acts had already began. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you who those acts were, but I can tell you they were basically an extension of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros because members of all acts appeared on stage practically all evening. The show was set up with a variety show mentality. And the vibe I was getting was definitely ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ feel.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is the brainchild – or should I say flower child – of Alex Ebert who some of you may know from the early 2000′s pop punk band, Ima Robot. Ebert started The Zeros with Jade Castrinos (who is rumored to be his lover) in 2007 and boast a nine-person line-up of musicians.

The Zeros began their set with “40 Day Dream” and frolicked along into “Carry On”, “Janglin’” and the crowd favorite “Home”. The band’s performance – well, Ebert’s performance – in “Home” really let me down. He forgot the words which in turn made them restart the middle verse and completely overlook the banter towards the end of the song. The banter is my favorite part of that song. In fact, that songs was my introduction to the Zeros and hearing it live was something I looked forward to all week.

Anyway, from there the show moved on to various new and old tracks; all the while girls in the crowd were practically loosing it. They looked to Ebert like he was this new-found Messiah as he sauntered around on stage, commenting on the beauty of the “exit” signs.

Meanwhile, the adorably awkward Castrinos blushed and waved at the crowd between songs. Like most shows these days, there was an encore in which Ebert and the crowd begged Castinos to come back on stage by singing the song “Jade” and chanting her name. And she of course complied. The grand finale included more new songs and Ebert joining the sweaty, smelly crowd and asking them to sit down with him.

Yes, sit down on the beer soaked floor of the Variety Playhouse.

He was considerate, however, telling folks that he knows the floor is unfavorable so sit in someone’s lap, which was interesting to see. Most of the crowd in front jumped on stage, but everyone else literally fell back on one another, like a wave rushing on to the shore.

He and the crowd then closed the show with an intimate performance of “Brothers”.

The Zeros didn’t do it for me. I just wasn’t feeling their energy; it seemed like a big act. Going into this show I really felt like I was in for a treat, but I was kind of let down, in a way, by a lack of genuineness on the band’s part – more specifically, Ebert’s part. And with rumors circulating of an Ima Robot record that is apparently supposed to be released this year, it’s tough to say whether or not the Zeros will be around for a second release.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see.