Just a stone-throw away from our beloved Greencastle campus, many great concerts arise. I found myself traveling to the notable state capital, Indianapolis, to check out Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros last weekend.
The Old National Centre Egyptian Room is where this over 10-man ensemble jammed out. Constructed in 1909, this venue was a prime spot for the group to showcase their stuff. Egyptian scripted pillars glorify the building's theme, along with the overwhelmingly warm colors.
"Clap Hour Hands Say Yeah" kicked off the festivities at 7:30 p.m. Playing under a luminescent forest green, the Brooklyn-based band continued their melodic, slow-paced renditions. Though they have been known for relatively upbeat, bass driven ballads such as "Over and Over Again" and "Satan Said Dance," they were more defined by their spiraling guitar solos capping off their last few songs.
After a much-anticipated wait, Edward Sharpe's lead singer Alex Ebert entered the stage. Crimson red lights tainted the stage as he strolled up, sporting a loose, flannel shirt, alongside his partner-in-crime and fellow singer, Jade Castrinos.
A California native, Ebert chose not to perform with a set list, but decided to start the show off on a high note. "Man on Fire", the first track off of their sophomore album, "Here", got the show on the road. Ebert and Castrinos started off their continual theme of singing towards each other, exchanging glances frequently.
Ebert's frame towered over her as she shyly repeated his verses of the chorus, in her button-up dotted dress. The tune took an interesting route, becoming more upbeat towards the bridge. The trumpeter led the way as Ebert let loose, dancing in an erratically graceful fashion.
This trend continued into the next few songs. "40 Day Dream" received more crowd interaction, as Ebert stretched into the crowd, shaking hands with fans as drummers Josh Collazo and Orpheo McCord peddle-kicked the crowd into gear.
After letting Ebert lead the front-forward entertainment, Castrinos led her verse of "I Don't Wanna Pray" and "Janglin" powerfully, with a roar emerging from the animated crowd. Guitarist Christian Letts got in on the action, leading a verse towards the tail end as well.
Ebert began to open up as the show progressed into the second half, offering increasing insight into his songs. He noted that it was the "scientific portion of the show" as "Carries On" began to play. "Up From Below" followed, only after a discussion between Ebert and Castrinos about what song to play next.
Ebert initially hoped for "That's What's Up" but agreed to save it for later. He situated himself directly front center towards the bridge of the song, pausing to talk to the crowd, as the band instrumentally continued.
"Everyone in this room is a very courageous person, because if you keep living knowing that you'll die, you'll have to have a mental condition or a lot of courage," Ebert declared.
He began to ask the crowd when they first knew that they would die one day, saying then that he was five years old when he learned.
He began to strongly emphasize the vocal points at the end of each verse. He sat down holding the microphone in a prayerful grasp above his head as the band stressed the keys.
Castrinos left the stage as Ebert began to sing "Jade," and Ebert stopped to ask where she was. She eventually came back, as the trumpet triumphantly backed her reappearance. "Home" was left for one of the last songs, sparking immediate approval by fans. Though that is their most popular song, it definitely did not steal the show.
Before Ebert played their last song, "All Wash Out," he declared that he wanted to do something he hadn't done in awhile. He spontaneously entered the crowd and asked everyone to sit down. The crowd did so obediently, as he gracefully mesmerized the room full of cross-legged fans. After an elegant finish in correlation with backing vocals, he hugged numerous fans before officially capping off the night.
Spectacular showcases like this are right in DePauw's range. Venture out and appreciate the artistic value that such professionals can offer.