Review Summary: She saw the truth undressing.
There is a power conjured by Ezra Furman that will shake you to your core. Her anger and passion pierce the veil of pop sensibilities and extracts volatility that borders upon excitement and dread. All of Us Flames is nothing short of an anthemic call to action that doubles as a mirror demanding self-reflection. What is happening behind the vocals is almost as enchanting as the croons themselves. It sounds like Ezra is singing over disintegrating tape loops of 80s pop ballads. While holding the lyrical content in juxtaposition with this production choice, it becomes apparent that the music is designed to reflect a spiritual metamorphosis. If the production was slightly cleaner, just a tad less bass-heavy, these would almost be radio-friendly tunes to play with your top down. That is truly the genius of this record. Ezra is showing her predilection to the music of her youth while embracing the life lessons that try to stifle that jubilant inner song.
The beauty of All of Us Flames is that the dark undertones of this record never consume the light entirely. There are various spirited transitions here to be admired. We have the slow trodding locomotive that is Train Comes Through, which picks up steam progressively until this earthbound fuselage grows wings and transitions to the groove-laden second track. Some songs here are reminiscent of the Doors, Joni Mitchell, and even The Cure while staying within the bounds of the indie-pop/folk genre. With that being said, the unique production somehow keeps this record sounding cohesive. With strong lyrics, animated transitions, and a lack of predictability, All of Us Flames is an absolute treat for those seeking a unique take on modern folk.
