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Debuting their second album at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, the whimsical and fiercely nonconformist musical group Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros finished up their 2013 summer tour just in time to prepare for their next circuit in the New Year. Known as much for their relentless concert schedule as their recognizable 60s hippie commune sound, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are reinvigorating the folk rock music scene alongside occasional tour mates, Mumford and Sons. Expressing a positive, love-one-another vibe while exploring self-image in their music, lead singer Alex Ebert (from Ima Robot) and his many merry cohorts put on energetic live shows that feel both intimate and global. This is no doubt thanks to Ebert’s personal journey, which began with the creation of his alter ego, Edward Sharpe, and his pilgrimage from self-indulgent lovesick drug addict to magnanimous creative.
After strapping on the mantle of Mr. Sharpe, Ebert collected childhood friends, musicians and Jade Castrinos, a one-time sweetheart who shares the vocals in the wildly popular single “Home,” among others, and began playing shows in 2007. In 2009, they toured the nation in a white school bus. Now boasting three full-length albums, including “Up From Below,” “Here” and their recent self-titled work, the collective intends to release some B-sides before completing a fourth album. Though fans may have to wait to hear the next selection of avant-garde musical pieces, they can buy tickets to a show that’s almost certainly coming to a city near them soon. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are undeniably unique in appearance, stage presence and sound, and the deliriously happy disciples have an enchanting effect, even when played through car speakers.
This band has really gone downhill since Jane left, stretched out performances of new songs and then rushed through single verses of songs everyone knew towards the end of the set when they realized they were running out of time. The lead singer is burnt out. 1 extra star for the prospect park bandshell being a great venue
The worst concert I've ever been to. They would stop midsong, the leader was super high, spouting nonsense and forgetting lyrics. I want my money back it was so awful
So wrecked he could barely sing. I've heard this is his MO these days. Super depressing, we left early.
One of the best concert I've seen. It had it all, songs amazingly executed, stage shared with all the members of the band, interaction and generosity with the audience. And on top of that, a brief improvized aftershow.
Edward Sharpe was incoherent throughout the concert. She did not sing clearly, slurring the lyrics and was obnoxious to the audience.
Disappointing, unorganized. Too much profanity between songs. Abrupt ending. This band really needed to bring their A game without Jade, but unfortunately did not.
Amazing 2nd time seeing them. Out of this world vocals and instrumentals. So much fun Edward Sharpe really feeds into the crowd and comes out care free to meet and perform in the crowd. Unforgettable experience can't wait until the next time they're in town. Last saw them before Prospect Park at The governors Ball. Come back soon.
I give Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes so many props for being able to improv the way that they did. They're clearly all very talented musicians who know how to play together, and it was great to listen to a band that i love without it sounding like i was just listening to the CD verbatim. They brought out the jazz band that opened for them and did a collaborative song with them which was awesome. Alexander's stage presence was hilarious, as he's walking through the crowd all the time, talking to the audience, telling us there isn't enough time to play more of a specific song because the venue is very strict about the 10:30 cut off. Then during Home, for their last song, he gave the mic to some people in the audience to tell their stories, and one guy proposed to his girlfriend in a very cute way, so I love that the band was willing to coordinate that with him.
I bought tickets hoping that they would play one of their more popular songs "that's what's up" since it is my boyfriend and my song. So, I suffered through some inaudible stuff, two good songs, the audience telling stories (really?)... No song. It seemed like he didn't want to be there. At one point he said "30 min left!!" 30 min left? Do you have a hot date and we are holding you up? A lot of people left... Left! The rest just talked and talked and payed no attention because they had lost interest. At the end he just said something about time being up and bam, concert over. Apparently he went into the street singing and dancing. I payed for tickets, where are you going? There are people who were sleeping, with kids and they probably had work the next day. They did not want to hear you with a megaphone in the middle of the street. I'm so confused.
Mr. Sharpe has checked out. He really seems to have lost it. His band had to pick up the pieces as he would walk away mid-song. When they finished and walked off stage nobody stayed for an encore. Everyone just hurried towards the exits. Mr. Sharpe, in a desperate last ditch effort, climbed up on the VIP bar area adjacent to the exit and tried to sing along with whatever. It was sad. Magnetic Zeros should seek a new leader. I feel bad for the openers, who did great.
Did he think this was just a jam session? Struggled through this show. Felt band was disconnected. Left early. Overall disappointment.
The vibes at the venue were great and I would highly recommend it, but it was clear that the onset of the performance that the led singer, Alexander, was heavily under the influence. His song performances were okay at best and his between song banter was completely incoherent. The concert ended very abruptly and the band moved and started playing near the exit of the venue, making it impossible for people to leave in an orderly fashion. Then after the band left the venue, Alexander became to make barefoot in the streets with a megaphone. It was exciting to see, but even more than that , it was sad to see how messed up he was. It was extremely unprofessional. I wouldn't recommend to a friend unfortunately, even though I absolutely love their music. I don't usually write reviews and I don't usually like to criticize people, but I left feeling so uncomfortable that I felt the need to share with other people who might want to avoid a similar situation.
We've seen ESMZ 3 times before this evening and each time, we left the venue high on life (and love). He's an amazing performer and the positivity he creates is so wonderful. However in Brooklyn, he fell flat...he was cursing and yelling at the audience at times....he definitely seemed to be high on more than life....he wasn't himself. Jade missing from the band definitely hurt the onstage dynamic, but he seemed totally different. We were bummed as he's a favorite of ours. Hopefully future performances will be better! Also...avoid the back of Prospect Park Bandshell...people don't stop chatting as it's a very casual spot.
Edward, or Alex, did not deliver without lead singer Jade by his side. I've seen their show together five times and each time it was amazing and heartfelt. Tuesday night at Prospect Park was sad and depressing.
I had seen Edward sharpe and the magnetic zeros two years ago and it was one of the best shows I had ever seen. This show however couldn't have been more different. He had a whole different band, was in essence solo and in fact was so on something that he was not making any sense at all. He was nibbling and it felt as if we were watching him moments before he gets put away into a mental institution and not in a good way. Big waste of my money.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes performed at Summerfest during my visit this year on the one "grounds stage" (the BMO Harris Pavilion) that allows seat reservations, and I enjoyed the show. I had only heard their one radio hit ("Home", sometimes called "that Alabama Arkansas song"), which featured a duet with a female singer who is no longer with the band (so the band has turned the song into a singalong in concert, which works fine). The band plays really well and improvises really well, so fans of Dead-inspired jam bands like Phish and Rusted Root would probably enjoy them more than I did. Still, the band put on a really enjoyable show, especially since it was included in festival admission.
Was so excited to see this band. I had even watched the tour documentary of the band, Big Easy Express, and was even more thrilled to get to see them in person. Really was anticipating the event, and was completely let down :( Didn't realize that the lead girl singer, Jade, had left the band… and the other girl was not even present, so the dynamic (10 guys) was completely different and disappointing. I also did not expect the concert to be more of a "jam session" with a lot of audience participation with their pointless stories. Alex seemed a bit stoned/drunk (not quite sure which or both) but didn't give a professional performance by anyones standards. Still love their music and listen to all the albums, but now with a bit of melancholy…
I have seen these guys a few other times, with and without Jade. But I have to admit, this was my absolute favorite show from them, perhaps maybe even my new favorite for any show I've ever seen. Their music is beautiful, spiritual, while still danceable and fun. Jade's voice was absolutely angelic, and when I heard she was no longer a member of esmzeros, I was pretty sad. However, I think they may be even better without her after experiencing this show. Alexander's chemistry is now with the audience, and not with her, and it's 100% magical.
This show was absolutely amazing. I rarely ever pay money for concerts but I would pay to see Edward Sharpe any time. He has such a deep connection with his fans and he really relies on the input of the audience for what they want to see and hear. You can see the love and passion for music in every single performer on stage.
Do you enjoy a band who appreciates their fans and goes out of their way to include them? Then you must go to an Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros show. I honestly felt like I was whisked away to another time where music was all encompassing and people actually got off of their phones to sing and dance. See this band, their energy alone will turn you into a lifetime fan.
