Franz Ferdinand Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, out August 26 via Domino Records.
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]lasgow’s finest indie guitar-pop quartet Franz Ferdinand are back in a familiar groove with their fourth studio album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action. Out today on Domino, Right Thoughts finds ze Franz sticking to their tried and true sound. Chock full of danceable indie rock tracks, this record serves as a fun soundtrack to late summer 2013.
Kicking off with the shimmering pop single “Right Action,” Right Thoughts features a number of songs that are already loved by Franz fanz; the band has been testing tunes like “Love Illumination,” “Evil Eye,” and “Stand On the Horizon” on live audiences since last year. “Evil Eye” is the album’s artsier track – it’s less of a pop song and more of an experiment while still retaining the signature Franz sound. Lead singer Alex Kapranos’ distinctive vocals carry this track reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys.
Right Thoughts is an album that will have its listeners dancing. “Bullet” and “Love Illumination” are destined to become indie dance floor staples just like “Take Me Out” and “Ulysses” before them. Right Thoughts breaks from the bouncier sound on softer tracks like “The Universe Expands,” “Goodbye Lovers and Friends,” and “Brief Encounters.” The record’s standout tracks include the Beatles-esque “Fresh Strawberries” and the epic (well, by Franz standards!) “Stand On the Horizon,” which ends with a melancholy outro showcasing the band’s versatility.
Overall, Right Thoughts is a strong album. Certain critics have accused Franz Ferdinand of making different versions of the same album since their 2004 debut and these critics may in fact be right. But no one can deny the fact that Kapranos, Nick McCarthy, Bob Hardy, and Paul Thomson write consistently catchy guitar-pop tunes. The first studio release since 2009’s Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, Right Action is an entertaining record. Sure the band doesn’t deviate from the sound that made them famous but do we even want them to?
Franz Ferdinand are currently wrapping up their European summer festival slots before heading to the US this fall. They play Boston’s Orpheum Theatre on October 20.
GIVEAWAY: We’ve giving away a Franz prize pack! Score a pink Franz tote bag, autographed Right Thoughts vinyl LP, and a limited-edition 7-inch single. Email michael@vanyarecords.com with FRANZ in the subject line and we’ll select a winner by noon tomorrow (Wednesday). The prize will be mailed to you directly by Warner Music Group. xx
