Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes at Kool Haus – 05/13/12

Written by Kylee Winn-Thurrott and Photograph by Randall Vasquez (2010)

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros brought chilled vibes to a sold out Toronto crowd at The Kool Haus on May 13, 2012.

Formed by Alex Elbert and Jade Castrinos, this 10-plus-folkstra group has found major success with their single “Home”. You may not know, but Edward Sharpe is a “messianic figure” Albert made up for a book he had began writing.

Starting the show with a reggae uproar was L.A. band, Fool’s Gold. Their music seemed to fit the perfect patio-drinking day. The Urban Outfitters wearing crowd bobbed along to the tropical musical waves of the 4-member band. They ended the set with a breakdown of a song, which included audience members clapping along as the band made their way off center stage, into the crowd. Overall, Fool’s Gold set the laid back atmosphere for the rest of the night.

Coming on stage, before starting the set, lead singer, Alex Ebert welcomed Toronto by politely introducing the band. Streaming live from their Facebook page, Edward Sharpe echoed through The Kool Haus, having the crowd stand enchanted. Ebert hovered over the fans, dressed all in white, with his hair pinned to the top of his head. If you’ve ever seen that episode of “An Idiot Abroad”, where Karl gets sent to a “cuddling party”, this is what it reminded me of. If you’re unaware of what a cuddling party is, it’s an event where people experience non-sexual group physical intimacy through cuddling. I could just picture Alex organizing one of these parties in the backyard of his hillside L.A. home. Throughout the venue, people held tamperonies, hitting the side of their leg to the beat. The microphone got passed around, giving the audience a chance to belt out a line or two, while Alex shook hands of those around. They played a mixture of new songs and old ones.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros held the crowd intoxicate by having the ability to make you feel like you’re at a outdoor summer music festival It was refreshing to have a band approach fans as if they were long time friends.

Expect a new full length album May 29, 2012.