Franz Ferdinand
The Human Fear
Domino [2025]
“The Human Fear leans into polished grooves and familiar hooks, offering moments of charm without breaking new ground.”
Album Overview: Formed in Glasgow in the early 2000s, Franz Ferdinand quickly gained recognition for blending art-school sensibilities with infectious hooks. Their debut single, “Darts of Pleasure,” and breakout hit, “Take Me Out,” propelled them to international fame. Over six studio albums, they’ve built a legacy of innovation while consistently creating music that energizes and engages. Even with years between releases, the band has remained a prominent force in indie rock for nearly two decades. The Human Fear explores themes of anxiety and resilience, using its 11 tracks to examine how fear shapes the human experience. Written before entering the studio and executed with a spontaneous, live approach, the album balances introspection with immediacy. It marks the first studio collaboration with drummer Audrey Tait and guitarist Dino Bardot, who bring fresh dynamics to the band’s sound. Fans will recognize familiar riffs and styles, though this album focuses more on danceable grooves than the grit of earlier releases—a balance that has always made Franz Ferdinand stand out. While the hooks keep several tracks memorable, the album’s lack of grit holds it back from reaching the heights of their best work.
Musical Style: This album highlights Franz Ferdinand’s knack for bold, rhythm-driven compositions while leaning heavily into pop influences. Layers of synths, sharp guitars, and propulsive beats intertwine to create tracks brimming with energy. The blend of live performance elements and studio polish gives the record a raw yet refined character.
Evolution of Sound: The Human Fear showcases a progression for Franz Ferdinand, incorporating new textures and songwriting collaborations that broaden their sound. With Julian Corrie taking on a more prominent creative role, the album moves into new territory with a pop-driven foundation aimed at crossover appeal.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Bloc Party, The Killers, and recent Arctic Monkeys will find much to enjoy here. The album’s danceable rhythms and inventive instrumentation also recall Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem, with occasional nods to the retro pop stylings of Duran Duran.
Pivotal Tracks: “Audacious,” the lead single, stands out for its catchy rhythm and confident delivery. Its vibrant, live-in-the-studio energy sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other highlights include “Build It Up” and “Night Or Day,” both featuring layered harmonies and Franz Ferdinand’s signature swagger. The closing track, “The Birds,” finishes with a post-punk flourish and a driving beat, leaving a lasting impression. It’s a style I wish the band had leaned into earlier on the record.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics on The Human Fear are reflective, tackling vulnerability and perseverance in a way that feels both relatable and thought-provoking. Alex Kapranos combines personal insights with universal themes, giving the songs emotional depth while keeping them accessible and engaging.
Final Groove: While The Human Fear may not have the grit of earlier albums, it demonstrates the band’s ability to evolve and stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape. The addition of Audrey Tait and Dino Bardot brings fresh energy and perspective, making this record feel like a new chapter for Franz Ferdinand. Though it leans more into polished dance grooves, some tracks lack the edge that made their earlier work so dynamic. Still, the album’s catchy hooks and introspective lyrics offer plenty to enjoy for longtime fans and newcomers alike. By blending pop influences with their signature style, Franz Ferdinand delivers an album that could resonate with both indie rock enthusiasts and fans of more mainstream dance music. If The Human Fear is any indication, Franz Ferdinand’s next steps will likely continue to surprise and excite their audience.
FRANZ FERDINAND REVIEW HISTORY
Always Ascending (2018) / Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action (2013)
FRANZ FERDINAND LINKS
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Domino
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