If you sought comparisons for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros forthcoming self-titled album, you would hear the soulfulness of The Supremes' Where Did Our Love Go, , the raw exuberant pop of the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" and the psychedelic echoes of Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow album.
But at its roots, the album shows a band evolved and hopeful for the future. Some tracks from this new release were originally recorded as the bookend piece to their sophomore album, Here, but in their last year of touring, this collection of songs was reimagined, taking on their own shape. They are upbeat, boisterous and passionate, with gospel chorus harmonies, raw, wailing vocals, and deep-in-the-pocket rhythms. Better Days mirrors perfectly the feelings of a country emerging from several years of tough times as the light of hope begins to peak through. It may be their most earnest work yet.