Alexander

iTunes Review

With his band, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Alexander Ebert leads a sprawling 10-person ensemble. On this solo effort, however, he goes it completely alone, writing the songs, playing all the instruments, and engineering the recording all by himself. While the album will appeal to Edward Sharpe fans for its breezy melodies and feel-good vibe, this is more eclectic than his work with the band, and it’s an absorbing and often surprising listen. Taking advantage of the creative freedom that comes with making a bedroom recording, he flirts with a host of ideas over the course of these 10 distinct tracks. “In the Twilight,” “A Million Years,” and “Let’s Make a Deal to Not Make a Deal” are jaunty, jangly folk-rock; the playful “Awake My Body” and “Remember Our Heart” best exhibit the experimental attitude permeating things; “Old Friend” and “Glimpses” are spare and moody ballads; and the quirky, soulful “Truth” features an infectious singsong delivery accompanied by whistling, hand claps, and simple yet effective clarinet figures. In following his own restless creativity Ebert has created a warm and charming release that transcends its lack of focus.