Ezra Furman - Big Fugitive Life

Rating:

Entirely original and ever so fabulous, it rounds off an era in style.

For most people, that after-album EP is much like a dry hangover. All the fun’s been had the night before and all you’re left with is the crusty remains of a dodgy Subway which still tastes alright, but just leaves you wanting to go back to that glorious evening prior. Yet in the case of Ezra Furman, “Big Fugitive Life” is the bloody mary of all mornings, jumping straight back in the game with a collection of tracks that smashes you straight back into life with a concise bang.

It’s lead by “Teddy, I’m Ready”, Furman’s most direct Springsteen-esque anthem yet, and surely a bonafide classic in waiting. Building from subtle strums into a big band crescendo, it’s the type of track you’d want to hear live each and every night and a sure-fire summer playlist stalwart. The rest of the EP blends between punk, indie, folk and everything in-between in a manner which never feels contrived but packed full of passion and independence.

And that’s the key with Ezra Furman, from “Little Piece Of Trash” and it’s scuzzed-sax mix or the campfire rawness of “Splash Of Light” and “Penetrate” - there’s never a sense of trend or fakeness about it. Entirely original and ever so fabulous, it rounds off an era in style, whilst teasing that the best is yet to come. Hair of the dog? Go on then. Jamie Muir