New Edward Sharpe Album

NPR Music is streaming the new Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeroes album.

On their records, Alex Ebert and his band traffic in songs that feel both warm and cavernous, while bringing out the more reflective, less anthemic, occasionally dark side of Ebert's songwriting. But, as on the group's new self-titled album (out July 23), the group still conveys joy amid massively unselfconscious celebrations of community and optimism. As always, the lyrics can be quaint and even corny when decontextualized — as when Ebert sings, "I'm tough enough to be a flower" in "In the Lion" — but they're infused with a depth of feeling that carries them across.

"Uplifting" is the word I'd use to describe the first track, "Better Days," though the lyrics betray a sense of disgrace and sorrow. Definitely worth a download.