Formed in 2007 by Ima Robot frontman Alex Ebert after a brief period of existential crisis, the cultish 11-piece indie rock outfit Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros draw their inspiration from the communal musical communities that peppered Southern California (specifically Laurel Canyon) with positive vibrations during the '60s and early '70s. Employing a unique sound that brought to mind a not-so-subtle mix of Parliament, Polyphonic Spree, Bob Marley, and the Incredible String Band, the group released its debut EP, Here Comes, in May 2009, followed by the full-length Up from Below in July. The band grew in renowned based in part on their fiery live show, touring often and making several television appearances including multiple performances on Late Night with David Letterman. The band followed up their debut in 2012 with full-length Here, one of two albums the band had planned for release that year. ~ James Christopher Monger