The Human Fear

Franz Ferdinand

Released on 1/10/25 by Domino Recording Co
Main artists: Franz Ferdinand
Genre: Alternative & Indie

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When Franz Ferdinand released their self-titled debut in 2003, there was an adrenaline-rush urgency to hits "Take Me Out" and "This Fire"—and a hint of danger inherent in early songs like "Jacqueline" and "Shopping for Blood" (from the Darts of Pleasure EP). Familiarity inevitably dampens that down, of course, so it's impossible to ever seem as wonderfully bracing as your first impression. The Scots subsequently made up for it with vibrance and by adding a tasteful flash of camp to their art pop, but that doesn't mean they've stopped chasing that initial flush. Founder/singer/lead guitarist Alex Kapranos said the band's sixth album, their first in seven years, is called The Human Fear because "Fear reminds you that you're alive. I think we are all addicted in some way to the buzz it can give us"—adding that the songs are about "searching for the thrill of being human via fears."

Leaning into his creamy, louche Bryan Ferry side, Kapranos encourages the idea of not worrying what society thinks about you when faced with a fight-or-flight dilemma (or, hell, when things just get too comfortable): "Hey there, we don't care/ Could be standing way out where/ You're naked and freezing 'til you run/ Freeze or run," he sings on "Audacious," which fully embraces ELO pomp at the chorus. "Aw, fuck it" and a grin seems to be theme here when it comes to musical choices, in a fun way.

Glittering with throbbing bass, a mirror-ball drum beat and background coos, "Everydaydreamer" blossoms into full-on circa '70s disco. "The Doctor" is giddy with laser-light synth and bubblegum pop flavor (ditto groovy "Bar Lonely," about social anxiety). Cute "Tell Me I Should Stay" employs dramatic chamber piano and the sonic mischief of a spy-caper romp. "Black Eyelashes" conjures up a Middle Eastern feel, and "Cats" gallops and sashays like it's soundtracking a grand ballroom dance (lyrically, it explores the idea of not being able to transform a cat into a dog—into something, or someone, you have some control over). "Build It Up," with its laidback verses bleeding into a catchy chorus, feels the most like a throwback to the band's early days, but it's also refreshing that Franz Ferdinand isn't trying to totally recreate that era. "You got me hooked," Kapranos snarls over the early-MTV-style synthpop of "Hooked," and you can't help but believe it. He, and the band, are aging rather gracefully for the long game. © Shelly Ridenour/Qobuz

The Human Fear

Franz Ferdinand

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Audacious