Ezra Furman – Perpetual Motion People

Intrinsically self-reflective and intimate...

Erza Furman's well-documented struggle with society, sexuality and sadness are fundamental to his lyrical mastery; having described his previous two records as depressive and manic respectively, 'Perpetual Motion People' is intrinsically self-reflective and intimate, without being self-indulgent.

You might have already heard 'Restless Year', the first single from the album, and a good sign of things to come – upbeat, cheery and yet morose – an overtone to the album as a whole. While 'Hark to the Music' – "hark to the melody, we're all gonna die" – is a jubilant anthem for youthful, reckless abandon; Furman's laconic call to arms.

Borderline intrusive glimpses of Furman's consciousness come in the shape of 'Hour Of Deepest Need', a tinkling, piano-led number. The lonely protagonist yearns for a lost love: "I can't share this whiskey with you through the phone, and if you get me to drink enough of it you might just get me to admit that I never quite knew how to be alone." 'Haunted Head', too, offers a snapshot of Furman's struggles with mental illness and self-doubt.

His multitude of timeless influences are clear, with garage-y number 'Wobbly' taking on a horn-filled epode of anguish. 'Body Was Made' is another funky horn-led number, preaching body positivity and self acceptance – something Ezra himself must be well acquainted with.

Furman's third attempt has accomplished something many fail to do – he is self-deprecating, but his witty humour allows a glimmer of optimism. An enlightening journey through the mind of an outsider, but an entirely relatable one.

9/10

Words: Megan White

– – –

– – –

Buy Clash Magazine

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.