ES and the MZ are a relatively young group, coming together in 2007 under Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert. With obvious influences like Polyphonic Spree and Bob Marley, their subsequent sound is big and embracing. They're a modern indie band, but they're also authentic '60s and '70s pop with more than a little psychedelia, bluegrass, and good old southern rock sprinkled throughout.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros released their debut EP in May 2009, the buzz-building Here Comes. They just put out their official full-length, Up From Below, in the middle of July. Critics are calling it "lush," "big and windy," and "a lived-in blast from folk rock's past." Ebert's rough voice combined with eclectic instrumentals and a bright, utopian feel are making Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros one of the rising names of 2009 music. They're currently touring the states, but in mid-August they're heading off for a slew of European shows. Then it's back to the states in the fall, with stops in Denver and California.

Website: edwardsharpeandthemagneticzeros.com
MySpace: myspace.com/edwardsharpe
Recent Release: Up From Below
Release Date: July 14, 2009
Label: Vagrant Records