Transangelic Exodus

Transangelic Exodus is Ezra Furman’s second album for Bella Union, marking a new milestone for the American singer-songwriter. It is described as not a concept record, but almost a novel or a collection of stories on a theme, blending fiction with a half-true memoir. The music on this album is intense and dramatic, filled with brilliant hooks and a unique approach to recorded sound that complements Furman’s narrative vision. In this album, Furman’s backing band has been renamed to The Visions, signifying a shift in his musical direction. His signature garage-punk sound, influenced by The Velvet Underground, Jonathan Richman, and ’50s rock’n’roll, remains intact. Standout tracks include the lead single “Driving Down To LA,” a mix of doo-wop and digital crunch, and the haunting “Compulsive Liar.” Ezra Furman addresses his Jewish faith more openly on Transangelic Exodus, with songs like the shivery ballad “God Lifts Up the Lowly” and the exquisite “Psalm 151.” The album delves into themes of love, gender, sexuality, and religion, offering a blend of rock’n’roll rumble and ghostly clarinet in tracks like “Come Here Get Away From Me.” Ezra Furman has become a voice for the marginalized and oppressed, soundtracking the current climate of fear and loathing in America. The album is a personal journey of self-discovery and defiance, always pushing forward with his own agenda. The LP version of Transangelic Exodus comes in a first pressing on Lilac/Purple vinyl.