As if being one of 2009’s breakout bands—thanks to their incredible Merge release Up From Below—wasn’t enough, it appears that Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros also have some cinematic ambitions. They’ve just released “Kisses Over Babylon,” the second installment in a 12-part video series entitled SALVO! The videos depict a Mad Max-style post-apocalyptic wasteland where water is in short supply and Edward Sharpe is a wanted man. The clip costars character actor-extraordinaire David Strathairn, best known for his riveting performance as Edward R. Murrow in Good Night and Good Luck.
And, since no indie rock video these days is complete without some gratuitous nudity, you should be warned that the video is slightly NSFW. Finally, in case you missed it, we’ve also got the first part of the epic series, “Desert Song”, after the jump. Continue reading →
Alex Ebert sure does like to reinvent himself. First a rapper, then the flamboyant front man for the goofy post-glam Ima Robot, Ebert has reformed himself once again—this time as the messianic mastermind behind Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. In the persona of Edward Sharpe, he presides over a dedicated troupe of musicians/followers who create alternately sentimental and moody rock reminiscent of 60s hippie-folk and Ennio Morricone film scores. Continue reading →
Remember that band Ima Robot, who had that catchy song “Dynomite” way back in 2003? Yeah, me neither. However, I won’t be forgetting former Ima singer Alex Ebert and his new band Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. Talk about a 180: he’s gone from an indie/punk/dance band to a down-home folk collective that makes songs so endearing that they might just bring a tear to your eye. If Arcade Fire decided to move to a log cabin in Alabama, drink whiskey, and drop the pretentiousness, From Below would be the result. It’s knee-slappin’ fun for all ages. Check out their appearance on Letterman, performing my new favorite song “Home”.
