“Alabama, Arkansas” — we all can finish the verse. 

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros have come a long way from being the band known only for this tune. With three studio albums and numerous music festivals later, the band has certainly become known for re-inventing modern “hippie folk.” 

Yet Edward Sharpe is not the lead singer, as most people think. Instead, he is a fictional character imagined by the real lead singer, Alex Ebert.

Living in alone for a year, Ebert had time to write stories about this mystique, which his songs are based on. The band came together when Ebert and Jade Castrinos met at an L.A. coffee shop. From there, they added an astounding ten more members to form Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. 

Hailing from L.A., Edward Sharpe's performance at the Hollywood Bowl last night was obviously an immense accomplishment. Psychedelic images appeared on screen while the band arrived on stage. The colorful, blurry pictures never disappeared, and the Bowl was transformed to a '60s vibe.

The concert began with “Man On Fire.” With Ebert selecting an older spectator to come dance along with him through the crowd, the song quickly set the eclectic tone for the evening. The lyrics “Only one desire that’s left in me / I want the whole world to come dance with me” also fit in quite nicely. 

“I Don’t Want to Pray” also featured audience interaction in that Ebert allowed people in the audience the chance to sing a tune, by lending the microphone out to random fans. Some sang a little "la la la," and one women even blew everyone away with a voice that was nothing short of Adele-esque. The unique audience interaction is rare, especially in a venue as large as the Hollywood Bowl.   

“That’s What’s Up” was obviously a highlight due to the upbeat nature of the track. It is wonderful on the record, but hearing it live insinuates the genuine feelings of friendship and love. Castrinos and Ebert even walked up and down the aisles while singing the song, further engaging attendees. 

The energy of the Edward Sharpe band did not end there. Another great song was “Janglin’,” which included a heavy orchestra build-up. The popular song is very similar to the rest of the songs in their debut album in that they are all so easy to dance and sing along to.

“Jade” was special in that there was, again, heavy orchestral buildup, with the literal Jade then appearing and, of course, dancing at the end of the song. “Mothers” was very heartwarming because all of the mothers of those in the band stood up and the lights shone on them. 

Another pop-folk song played was “40 Day Dream.” The song immediately electrified the crowd, prompting people to get out of their seats. Though it was a rather chilly summer night (for Angelenos at least) the dancing provided a way to warm up.

An especially interesting part of this particular performance was the build-up of the concluding refrain. Ebert took a few minutes to warm up his voice and different instruments in order to deliver a booming and memorable finish. 

Ebert was not the lead singer during the entirety of the performance. Jade sang a few (i.e. Fiya Wata), as well as Christian Letts singing the tender acoustic ballad, “Child.” With twelve people in the band, there are plenty of opportunities to showcase the talent of the numerous members. Another interesting fact is that Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros do not have a setlist for any show. They prefer to play “whatever comes to them.” 

Songs played off their new album include “If I Were Free” and “Better Days.” Both have uplifting lyrics and beats that simply make you want to get up and dance. In a world with so much chaos and sadness, it is nice to have some music that lifts your spirits.

The band closed with their most well-known song, “Home.” Toward the end of the song, there is usually a dialogue spoken between Jade and Alexander. However, in concert, the band performs it differently. Both performers went around to different audience members and asked them to tell a story, any story. One woman spoke of finding herself through their music, and another man commented on how proud he was of how far the band has come.

Every song sounded like a traveling caravan of different instrument and voices, singing of love, life, and nature. So much happiness and sincerity radiates from this band, always singing with the biggest smile on their faces. 

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Contact Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito here.