New record review: The Psychedelic Furs ‘Made of Rain’

It’s been 29 years since the Psychedelic Furs released its last studio album. Not only is “Made of Rain” (Cooking Vinyl) most definitely worth the wait, but it has the classic sound and energy of the band’s epic live shows, too. 

As a fan who has reviewed quite a few Furs shows over the years, I was excited when guitarist Rich Good told me last year that the Furs were preparing to release the long-awaited new album. An early 2020 release turned into spring and then, delayed by the coronavirus, summer. But it’s finally here. 

The album comes roaring out of the gate with “The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll,” bringing to mind the opening of the band’s first self-titled album that helped usher in the post-punk era of the early ’80s. 

A classic album is better than the sum of its parts, and on that count, "Made of Rain" delivers.

Some of the singles that the band released leading up to the album belie the greatness of the album as a whole. Heard in the context of the rest of “Made of Rain,” songs like “Don’t Believe” and “Come All Ye Faithful” have added punch. When sprinkled among aching ballads like “Wrong Train” and “This’ll Never Be Like Love,” higher-energy tracks like “No-One” get the chance to shine. 

The album, as much as the Furs’ live show, provides the perfect showcase for all the band has to offer. Richard Butler's vocals soar, his ever-acerbic lyrics backed by Good, bassist (and brother) Tim Butler, keyboardist Amanda Kramer, drummer Paul Garisto and Mars Williams on sax. It’s also a guitarist's album; Guns N' Roses guitarist Richard Fortus serves as producer, and the album ends with "Stars," which closes with a guitar solo.

The only letdown that comes with the release of “Made of Rain” is that the Furs, like most touring acts, won’t be able to play new music in concert until next year. But until fans can see the band live again, they can enjoy an album 29 years in the making. What’s a few more months of waiting to hear the songs live?