Artist performs with his band at Rough Trade New York.

Chicago-born Ezra Furman graced the stage at Brooklyn’s Rough Trade in-house venue last Saturday, 18th March. The near sold-out room was packed from early on, with the space quickly filling up before the first of two supporting acts completed their set – all concert goers clearly very keen to see the main act.

Furman accompanied by his band, The Boy-Friends bounce on stage to an excitable and most likely familiar crowd. They met the band as if they were their best friends, with screams of “Welcome back!” and “We missed you!”. There is a clear sense of community here.

Followed by wild cheers, Furman began with the gentle, bluesy-sounding Day Of The Dog, from the 2013 album of the same name. Albeit slow starting, the song was the perfect intro to the 75-minute set as it got heavier, rockier and louder with each verse, and pumped up the crowd.

Quickly cranking up the pace with Tell Them All To Go To Hell, and Little Piece Of Trash both numbers with 50’s rock and roll elements and notable jazz influences, Furman screams down the microphone and darts and quirks around the stage.

Ezra’s stage presence as a whole is quite something to behold – when speaking candidly with the audience he appears shy and awkward, sheepishly mumbling most words. However, as soon as the opening riff of a song begins, this persona is flipped completely on its head as he embodies the performance of a true rock star. When he sings, he comes across as angry. Without warning the stage becomes home to someone who is confident, vivacious, and a bit manic.

Throughout the show, the crowd are kept on their toes. The unpredictability of the performance is thrilling and captivating, and while he admittedly may take inspiration from the likes of Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Elvis, all the while allowing you to think you’re witnessing something totally original. And in a sense, you are – Furman does not look like your typical 50’s Rockstar. Tonight, he wears makeup and a lit-up necklace, although he often goes on stages wearing dresses or skirts, so this outfit is fairly downplayed.

Musician also openly speaks about his own personal struggles with mental health, sexuality, religion and politics, not only in interviews but largely in his music too. The popular single Lousy Connection, from their most recent album Perpetual Motion People (2015) which was met with raucous cheers, tells of Furman’s struggle to fit in with society, backed by an upbeat doo-wop tune, which is somewhat contradictory to the message the song conveys.

To a modern crowd, his music is relatable, resounding and at times, humorous. And so are his live shows.

Photos: Katie Willoughby