Ezra Furman is a folk-punk firebrand from Chicago, her flamboyant style and raw, heart-on-sleeve lyrics cementing her as one of the more compelling voices in contemporary rock music. She was a member of the group Harpoons before going solo in 2012, but is always backed by a rotating cast of players under monikers such as the Boy-Friends, the Visions, and the Band with No Name. Sonically, Furman travels in many of the typical indie folk hallmarks but with a Lennon-esque sneer and creative streak. Twelve Nudes is more restrained than the Springsteen & Arlo Guthrie inspired sax and keyboard heavy Transangellic Exodus, but retains the unflinching, widescreen poeticism she is known for. The album begins with the adrenaline rush of “Calm Down aka I Should Not Be Alone”, an unhinged punk-indebted thrasher that’s barely as long as it takes to read the title. “Evening Prayer aka Justice” begins with a squall of feedback backed by floor tom and strummed acoustic thuds that manage to occupy the same sonic terrain, “My Teeth Hurt” begins with pummeling drums akin to "California Uber Alles" by The Dead Kennedys, but the lyrical content is less snarky political pontification and more visceral personal pogo-ing. This record is pressed on 180 gram red vinyl and is packaged in a vibrant, high-gloss sleeve. Includes printed insert. Recommended. 

• 180g red vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve and fold-out printed insert
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Bella Union 2019

reviewed by PANSY BEAT 09/2019