Franz Ferdinand, the iconic Scottish indie band, made waves during their appearance on CBS Saturday Sessions, where they delivered electrifying performances of three tracks from their forthcoming sixth studio album, The Human Fear. This eagerly awaited album is set to drop on January 10, 2025, under Domino Records, and the band seized the opportunity to showcase their new musical direction.
During the January 4 session, frontman Alex Kapranos and his bandmates donned stylish coordinated outfits featuring vibrant orange and black hues, reminiscent of their previous era marked by the album You Could Have It So Much Better. The first song they performed was "Bar Lonely," which was making its television debut. The performance highlighted the song's wide dynamic range, transitioning from raw, bass-led verses to energetic, guitar-driven choruses, effectively capturing the audience's attention.
The band also treated fans to their two previously released singles, "Audacious" and "Night or Day." Both tracks exemplified Franz Ferdinand's unmistakable alt-rock prowess with clever arrangements and innovative harmonic progressions. New drummer Audrey Tait brought fresh energy to the rhythms, complementing the band’s signature sound.
Anticipation for The Human Fear is palpable among fans, especially with its thematic exploration of deeply rooted human fears. The album's lead singer, Alex Kapranos, shared insights about the work during interviews, noting how the fears people experience are key to self-understanding. He remarked, “I don’t think there’s a single song...that you’ll hear on the album and won’t think, ‘Oh, is this Franz Ferdinand?’ At the same time, there will be thinking, ‘Oh, did they really do this?’”
Kapranos elaborated on the essence of the album, emphasizing, “The greatest moments in your life usually involve overcoming some kind of fear. Sometimes it’s paralyzing, but when it’s overcome, my god, it’s the greatest buzz in the world!” He connected the messages of the songs to personal experiences, exploring themes of social isolation, leaving institutions, and the complexity of relationships.
Following the broadcast of their live session, Franz Ferdinand announced their plans for a world tour kicking off on February 14. They will first traverse Europe before heading stateside with performances scheduled to begin on March 24, 2025. Cities on the itinerary include Seattle, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn, among others. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early for what promises to be another exciting chapter for the band.
Aside from promoting their new album, the band recently covered Chappell Roan’s song "Good Luck, Babe!" which Kapranos praised as “incredible.” This new endeavor showcases the band's willingness to explore different musical influences and stay connected with contemporary talents.
The vibrant performances and the tantalizing prospect of their upcoming album release demonstrate Franz Ferdinand’s enduring relevance and ability to engage audiences with relatable themes. The band's return to the limelight, especially with their commitment to engaging in honest discussions about fears and personal growth, positions them favorably as they venture on their next musical expedition.
Franz Ferdinand’s CBS Saturday Sessions performance not only served as a preview of their new album but also highlighted the band's evolution over the years since their inception in 2002. Their flair for captivating live performances coupled with poignant storytelling continues to resonate with fans old and new, making their upcoming world tour one of the most anticipated musical events of the coming year.