Album Review: Ezra Furman- Goodbye Small Head

As the culture wars rage on, Ms Ezra Furman plays in the rubble, seeking diamonds. This is a return to form after the slightly disappointing previous album, All Of Us Flames, which seemed at times like she was coasting through a more commercial sound. There are no such problems here.

As the transphobic laws were passed recently, with the Supreme Court ruling that biological determinism- there are women and men only -is the only way forward (anthropology suggests otherwise) Furman and her mighty band surge onwards, reminding us why we fell in love with them over a decade ago.

The music as always is at its best when it feels like a Band Aid being quickly ripped off, and poison sucked out. Our society is sick, and Furman is here with the rallying cry, ‘A World Of Love And Care’. Strobed by throbbing cello, Furman rages, “Human dignity was supposed to be a guarantee for all”, adding in the furious, lucid refrain,” Dream better, dream bigger”.

But there’s great introspection here,too. Political themes and introspection are never mutually exclusive bedfellows in her lyrics. ‘Submission’ sees her leaning into sadomasochism ( “the wound is open”) with a very Simon Gallup-esque bassline and hospital bed bleeps emulated through keyboards. Meanwhile, ‘You Hurt Me I Hate You’ could be the most sour thing she’s ever done, naked, raw and trembling, yet still focused and defiant.

And as usual, all matters spiritual are rarely off the table. ‘I Need The Angel’ is a barnstorming punky request; whereas ‘Sudden Storm’ distorts gospel influences with keys and lush strings.

Such experimentation, as can be found on the brilliant single ‘Power Of the Moon’ , with its woozy electronica, is what makes this album so beautiful and compelling. Thoughts and emotion are in symbiosis, pouring out like lava. She’s back, always ahead of the pack, and we need her more than ever: A rare, precious gem.

Out on May 16th,via Bella Union.