Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Here (Vagrant)

With 2009 debut Up From Below, Edward Sharpe tapped an uncanny vein of folky sing-a-long and charismatic weirdness. Here settles in perfectly as a follow-up, leading with the downbeat whoop and harmony of “Man on Fire” and cloyingly catchy “That’s What’s Up.” Frontman Alex Ebert shoots more sincerity with the sophomore effort, which paradoxically results in a set that feels about as authentic as his previous Ima Robot persona. Jade Castrinos reprises her role as daydreaming foil to Ebert’s shaman, humming harmony on the circle-chant of “Mayla” and taking a gospel soul turn on “Fiya Wata,” but the L.A. outfit’s watered-down Cat Stevens imitation on “Dear Believer,” and repetitive Devendra Banhart warble of “Child” both lack any substance, for all their faux-religious pretensions. As if to cap off the imitative façade of the entire production, closer “All Wash Out” riffs rhythm from Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” (Sun., Orange stage, 8:50pm)

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This article appears in November 2 • 2012.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.