This newly released EP is meant to be a taste of the forth-coming album from the band formerly known as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. This album teaser gives high hopes for the full-length album, PersonA, that is said to be coming out in April of this year.
It is hard to get a good feel for an album with only three songs, but enough is known to gather that the band is staying relatively true to the folk-pop sound that brought them fame in the first place. The Magnetic Zeros are known for being a band that emphasizes writing music that plays well live, material that sounds the same whether you hear it on the radio or at a festival, and that idea really shows through in the new stuff.
Despite having its roots in folk-pop, there is definitely an indie rock influence making an appearance in this EP. The track “Hot Coals” opens up with the typical Magnetic Zeros sound; a background melody that feels very familiar, but shifts dramatically around the one minute mark. Jazzy elements are thrown into the mix, along with a piano driven hook and dreamy vocals by lead singer Alex Ebert. The song is experimental and fresh, delivering a unique alternative rock sound. And despite its seven minute length, the song is able to hold your attention to the very end.
The other songs on PersonA are less memorable, but still incredibly enjoyable. “No Love Like Ours” and “Free Stuff” stick more closely to the brand that the group has developed for themselves, but there is an undeniably refreshing feeling to it. Long time fans of the band will be able to spot the similarities to albums of the past, even with the absence of former member Jade Castrino and her signature sound. If the rest of the album is even close to what has been released thus far, The Magnetic Zeros have something great on their hands.
Recommended If You Like: The Lumineers, Noah and the Whale, Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, Dr. Dog
Recommended Tracks: 1 (No Love Like Yours), 2 (Hot Coals)
Do Not Play: None
Written by Shelby Sneed on 02/13/16