Transagelic Exodus is such an accomplished album it makes you wonder if Ezra Furman hasn’t fallen to the earth from a higher plain.
With Furman already establishing a consistent sound over his previous records, it was perhaps expected of him to cover some well-worn ground again here. Instead, and appropriately, Transangelic Exodus is an album that constantly takes left turns and refuses to slow. It turns out that with the right driver, there are plenty of miles left on the old road yet.
Transangelic Exodus is a scrappy yet poignant rock & roll narrative of inner conflict and acceptance; its songs are a confessional and confrontational commentary on a historic period when so much is possible, even as fear, hate, and paranoia still hold the reins of power. Its energy, vulnerability, rage, and crafty poetics are awe-inspiring.
Regardless of whether one is Caucasian or not, transgender or “trans-ish”, self-defined or labelled by society as being “queer” or not; Transangelic Exodus is a defining record for everyone.
When Furman swerves from his Seraphiel & Louise narrative to discuss his issues with religion, coming out and the rise of the Far Right on the album’s jauntier ditties, it’s one of the most provocative too. It’s got ‘Depp’ written all over it.
This is a fascinating, mature set from an artist who feels as vital as ever.
Transangelic Exodus’ status as an allegorical protest record that speaks for those ostracised by society - be they immigrants, refugees, the closeted, the out, the homelessness, vulnerable or searching - cements it as one of the most important albums to have been released thus far this year.
It’s a wild ride that chimes perfectly with troubled times and cements Furman’s status as a modern pop auteur of some repute.
His fourth solo album, Transangelic Exodus, is his most thematically cohesive work to date: a loose narrative about supernatural queer lovers on the run from the law. The misfit feelings surging through his back catalog crystallize here into detailed imagery, giving the album a lurid, cinematic sheen.
Movement has always been key to Ezra Furman, both as an artist and a person. Hell, he’s a busy touring musician and his previous album was called Perpetual Motion People, so, in retrospect, it feels like it was only a matter of time before Furman and his band, rechristened as The Visions for this record, put out a road trip concept album. That it would be about “transangels” having to go on the run to evade shadowy government agents was, perhaps, less predictable in the ... read more
I really love this album. I've listened to Transangelic Exodus over and over and every song sounds amazing, is unique, and with pretty great lyrics all around too. It hits a specific way that I can group with Of Montreal's Hissing Fauna and maybe The Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, though I'm not sure how to describe what fits and doesn't. Maybe it's just because I've been listening to the three a lot over the past month, or maybe it's because I like concept albums. There are a ... read more
a very strange conceptual experience, telling the story of a homosexual couple on the run after one has an operation to turn into an angel. Each track is enjoyable in its own merit, allowing you to find enjoyment in each moment without taking away from the overall story. I have never really been a fan of his previous work but I can see myself returning to this throughout the year.
ezra furman, the writer you are. this album changed my life. bring back real rock!
highlights: love you so bad, maraschino red dress $8.99 at goodwill
I'm here for grimy, distorted, trans, weirdo-rock
And love that I can hear musical ques and references to, at least, the 20s, 30s, 50s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, really rewards well-listened listeners
1 | Suck the Blood from My Wound 4:48 | |
2 | Driving Down to L.A. 3:17 | |
3 | God Lifts Up the Lowly 3:48 | |
4 | No Place 3:36 | |
5 | The Great Unknown 2:46 | |
6 | Compulsive Liar 2:44 | |
7 | Maraschino-Red Dress $8.99 at Goodwill 2:29 | |
8 | From a Beach House 2:34 | |
9 | Love You So Bad 3:38 | |
10 | Come Here Get Away from Me 3:54 | |
11 | Peel My Orange Every Morning 1:41 | |
12 | Psalm 151 3:39 | |
13 | I Lost My Innocence 3:21 |
#7 | / | Spectrum Culture |
#7 | / | The A.V. Club |
#10 | / | musicOMH |
#11 | / | God Is In The TV |
#16 | / | Uncut |
#23 | / | Gigwise |
#28 | / | NME |
#31 | / | No Ripcord |
#38 | / | Far Out Magazine |
#44 | / | Fopp |