Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
PersonA
(Community Music Group)

A clear evolution it evident on Edward Sharpe’s new album, Person A, which introduces a darker, more mature sound and lyrical depth. The album begins on a somber and somewhat ethereal tone with “Hot Coals,” which has music that is woven through the album on tracks like the moody “Let It Down” and the jazzy “Wake Up the Sun,” which feels like it has an air of Nina Simone. The songs are refreshing and balance is found in more triumphant moments such as on the single, “No Love Like Yours,” which incorporates the melancholy undertone with a bright, hopeful melody and vocals. Songs such as “Uncomfortable” and “Perfect Time” reflect an emerging sound with notes of jazz, rock, blues, and even notes reminiscent of the classic American songbook. Musically, the complexity of the songs is a welcome advancement for the band which makes the title a play on the word “persona” more poignant. This is also reflected as the nom de plume “Edward Sharpe” is crossed out the on the album cover leaving just “The Magnetic Zeros,” further signifying a change and dismissal of artifice. The music works wonderfully as a complete album and is a fresh contrast to the pop single-oriented world that the music industry has become.