Brightest Young Things

photos by Priscilla de Lima-Ledesma (make sure to click on them to enlarge)
words by Jacquelyn Pyun

Where you from? “Brooklyn,” he says as he wipes his hair back over his forehead and lets his eyes roll back.

It’s difficult to write up Sean Bones after Wednesday night’s show at DC9. Mainly because after experiencing the life change that was Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, it’s difficult to remember anyone else being there that night.

I don't really have much to say on the calm (and not-so-inspiring) reggae-laced croonings of Sean Bones beyond a fleeting flashback to that summer way-back-when. Good thing Priscilla has killer photos, check it.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros: This show is for people that love each other. And this review is from a girl who now adores you.

Jade.
Alexander.

Playing to a sold-out, packed show at DC9, the audience was pulling for every song, calling out requests as they sang out loud (more accordion!). After seeing Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros for the first time, I get it too. I will definitely be a repeat attender.

The band sure has a lot of stuff to play with. Tambourines, maracas, guitars, keys, bells, a wailing trumpet, beating drums and sticks, and of course, an accordion.

And this band sure has a lot of personality. Alex, Jade, a pirate, a beautiful blue dress-ed blonde, a few plaid shirts, a bare chest, and some comfy canvas slippers.

The 10-piece folk rock band from L.A. is magnificently led by Alex Ebert. Their 60s sounds and lyrical happiness is nearly impossible to resist. Layered with 10,000 different instruments, the oftentimes psychedelic—and even shirtless—family of friends crammed on that teeny tiny stage is truly captivating.

Alex is a brilliantly dirty looking mother. With one arm draped across his mic, and the other waving his magical mystery crew along, he leans in as he June-and-Johnny-Cash duets his lady Jade. And Jade gets low. She bends to the ground, crouches as she twists, and shakes her head as she sings and drums up to Alex.

When Jade smiles, Alex smiles back. And we all instantly smile at DC9.

The interaction that is Alex and Jade (Alabama, Arkansas, I do love my ma and pa, not the way that I do love you) is intriguing, and must have a beautiful backstory (let’s find out soon). They sing to each other while standing a breath apart—their voices weaving in conversation. The throw-back charisma of their relationship is heart-healing-ly charming and effortless.

We drove from L.A., yo, just for this show.

The Magnetic Zeros clearly have a good time, and fully embrace the opportunity to share something special with their audience. Full of smiles, they sing and play with an evident love for the feel-goody-ness of their music—and each other. Jumping on and off the stage, bouncing up and down, standing on chairs—it all ignites a screw-the-man-let’s-jump-on-their-tour-bus kinda night.

Holy moly me oh my. Yes Alex, this is a special gathering of complete strangers. Complete strangers who now love each other.

I hope everyone at DC9 had as warm and as heartfelt an experience as I did Wednesday night. Go see Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros as soon as you can—you’ll have a life change. Or at least leave the show hugging the people around you.

ooo ahhh haaa ah ooo ahhh haaa ah…

Previously in Live DC:

• 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
• 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
• 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
• 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
• 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
• 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
• 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
• 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
• 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather
• 5/22: Photos: Summer Camp takes the "Ladies of Town" Drag Show