Concert Review: Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros Give A Messianic Experience


The mystical aura of Edwards Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros was intensified by the church setting of their April 6, 2016 concert. I mark down the date of the event because that is exactly what it was: An Event! It was an unforgettable moment in time because of three reasons: the setting, the audience, and the band.

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros have played in sold-out stadiums across the world, but their concert at the Gothic church, St Ann and The Holy Trinity, seemed perfectly befitting. There is a “larger than life” quality to their music that when intertwined with the Godly setting allowed it to reach Heavenly proportions. The church was intimate enough to make everyone feel like they were a “chosen people”, but grand enough in details and symbolism to give that “chosen” feeling a profound weight. This band is big in sound, energy, and talent, which the church elevated by making their concert feel like a spiritual experience.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Man On Fire [Official Video]

Man On Fire

Anyone who goes to an Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros concert is going for a spiritual experience. The band’s essence is that of whimsical mindfulness, which leaves everybody open to their good vibrations and rhythms. Seeing people eager to be moved by their music was touching, and a gentle reminder that within every human being is a beating/feeling heart. By Alex Ebert’s first note there was a standing ovation. People approached the lead vocalist like he was a celestial being that somehow knew how to reach their soul. His continuous dancing and talking with the crowd made him appear like he was giving a powerful sermon, and they were ready to follow his words. People danced, sang, and yelled for joy with a freedom that exuded positivity. Ebert revealed in every moment of the crowd’s happiness and encouraged with his thoughtful, yet relaxed demeanor. The love this band has for their fans must be applauded, especially since Ebert stayed behind at the end of the show to shake hands and thank audience members. I always admire a band that recognizes their musical foundation is based on their fans.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – “Perfect Time” (Official Video)

Perfect Time

Many artists do not acknowledge that their power lies in their listeners. Thus, it was incredibly kind and generous for Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros to do a pre-show where talented fans could show off their skills. The moment added to their magical presence as liberators of inhibitions, When they chose one of the pre-show acts, Dan, to play with them and made an improvised, yet”good enough for radio” song about him, everyone was overjoyed with support for this one, young man having the moment of his life. Overall,  the fans of this band can be reason enough to share in this concert experience.
Wake Up The Sun – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (Official Video)

Wake Up The Sun

I cannot properly describe the level of talent and uniqueness that flows with Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros. Firstly, they have 10 band members on the stage and, what it seems to be, every instrument created. As you watch them artfully trade in instruments to add layers of musical depth for the next song, you are left in awe. Their vast talent felt welcomed at the church because it made them appear like a celestial chorus. Their mission was to land in this Brooklyn holy-ground and assure that everyone received enlightened messages on the beauty and pain of life. They succeeded.

Again, I am verbally stumped at describing the grandness and intricacy of their sung words and sound. They are a band that can only be experienced. They are so full of life, in every way, that they feel too huge for me to properly put into words. Therefore, I say go and see them for yourselves. You will NOT it regret, and you will, definitely, not forget it. Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros performed for one night only at St. Ann and The Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn. For more information on the band, and to buy their phenomenal next album PersonA, which will be released April 15, 2016  click here