NEWMUSIKATTAK: The Human Fear by Franz Ferdinand
2025 started rough but it's okay, we have a Franz Ferdinand
This was a record I was incredibly excited about when it was announced. The Post-Britpop movement of the 2000s gave us its gods (Arctic Monkeys), jesters (Coldplay, Keane), and pariahs (The Libertines). Franz Ferdinand, however, carved out a space uniquely their own, standing at the crossroads of it all.
The Arctic Monkeys' music style emerged as a response to the burgeoning indie wave from America, epitomized by bands like The Strokes, Wilco, and The White Stripes. Like many in the UK scene at the time, they made a significant impact with their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. The album was an instant success, receiving widespread acclaim from critics and resonating equally well with commercial audiences.
One band that always captivated me more than most was Franz Ferdinand. Sure, they’re often remembered as the band behind the electrifying Take Me Out, a song that lit up high school hallways and playlists for the emo kids of the 2000s. But maybe it’s the underdog in me that felt they never quite got the recognition they deserved compared to their contemporaries.
Enter The Human Fear, the band’s sixth album, which, in my opinion, stands as a brilliant showcase of their evolution. Right off the bat, my favorite tracks include Hooked, a mesmerizing blend of Timbaland-esque beats with Blue Monday-era vibes that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Then there’s the album opener, Audacious, a track steeped in 80s Britpop energy. It’s got a surprising Christmas-like warmth and an oddly uplifting tone, reflecting the anxieties of its listeners while offering a strange sense of comfort.
Or perhaps this is an extremely late Christmas record—or maybe that’s just me hoping it is. Either way, the songwriting is undeniably fun, and it’s a real treat to hear Alex Kapranos’ vocals again, as sharp and charismatic as ever. You should absolutely give it a listen. DEFINITELY.