“Don’t be an Asshole.” Words from Franz Ferdinand frontman, Alex Kapranos, in a recent Spin Magazine interview, in reference to the music business. This is just one example of how endearing and awesome this band is.
I was thrilled when Franz Ferdinand appeared on Conan on July 29 to debut one of the albums first singles, “Right Action.” FF became a chart success in 2004 with second single, “Take Me Out,” off their self titled debut album. This era flourished with intelligent rock-pop bands like The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, and Keane and they dominated alternative rock radio. I was drawn to Franz Ferdinand when I heard “Take Me Out” because their new wave sound was reminiscent to the Talking Heads, a unique and bold aesthetic that was slightly strange and it succeeded tremendously. The song structure has many parallels to the Talking Heads debut hit, “Psycho Killer,” which is a favorite among us TH fans.
FF’s discography is a continual progression of their new wave sound. Sophomore album You Could Have It So Much Better featured lead single “Do You Want To,” which was a track that showed how they consistently mastered the genre ten-fold. In the bands third album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, they propelled further with “Ulysses,” which was a killer combination of dance and punk.
The lead single “Right Action,”from bands upcoming fourth studio album, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action’s, is pure bliss and has the bands quirky and boisterous sound. You’ll march to the beat with every “Do do do do do do,” escorted by the triumphed horns and like a performer on a high wire, the sound is tight and controlled. Kapranos’ admirable, almost do-gooder persona sings about how even under lesser traits, all can be forgiven. “Come home practically all is nearly forgiven / Right thoughts, right words, right action.”
“Evil Eye,” is a stomp your feet, clap your hands kind of groove with a playfully evil satire in the vocals. “Love Illumination,” was released the same time as “Right Action,” and dutifully so, as it is just as catchy. No doubt the appeal is owed in part to the captivating saxophone that adds to the unusualness and translates perfectly into the music video. Check out the black and white checkered Rubik’s Cubes! At least that’s what I’m calling them.
“How can I tell you I was wrong, when I am the proudest man ever born.” That’s a man not willing to budge an inch, if I ever heard one. Fourth track, “Stand on the Horizon,” was produced by disco DJ Todd Terje, and therefore has a contagious danceable and funky quality, with an extremely delightful hook, “Won’t you come to me.” “Bullet,” straightaway delivers a pounding of the drums and pulsing guitar; It’s a groovy song that has a fast-pace beat right out of a 1960’s psychedelic TV show or movie, so grab your Go-Go boots.
“The Universe Expanded” is a far out, electronic, mellow song. The offbeat quality is added by Kapranos’ quieter vocals and lyrics “I’ll meet you coming backwards, yes, I’ll meet you coming back / When the Universe has expanded, time will contract.” “Goodbye Lovers and Friends,” is the final track and alludes to the false intentions to keep in touch with friends, “Goodbye lovers and friends, so sad to leave you / when they lie and say this is not the end.”
I may have thought for a minute in 2004 that Franz Ferdinand was Kapranos’ real name and even though Kapranos may not be an Archduke, which is where the inspiration for the band name came from (Archduke Franz Ferdinand) it fits like a crown nonetheless. And the bright nature that is Franz Ferdinand shines through on their new record. Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action is right on – be sure to get it on August 27.
http://www.franzferdinand.com/
Rating: 5/5
– Sabrina Tosti
Follow @tostisabrina