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A little bit grown up
Franz Ferdinand might not be a brand new band but they have been keeping the art in art rock alive since the beginning of the millennium. And now after a couple of years off to take stock, raise a family, make a film and go walkabout in South America, the Glaswegian fab-four are back in business and coming to New Zealand to headline at the Rhythm and Vines festival in Gisborne. This appearance is part of the long road to the release of their third album “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand”, and they’re not taking the straight road either. “Lucid Dreams” is a typically poppy, dance track using “A gaggle of obscure and long forgotten 70’s synths” to create a contemporary yet retro feel. The song was included in the Madden NFL 09 video game and released through iTunes on the 9th August 08 well ahead of the planned album release date of January 26th 09. Since then six other new tracks have been played at various gigs around the world. So festival goers in Gisborne can justifiably expect to also be treated to some sneak previews of their own. Franz Ferdinand (named after the historic figure Archduke Franz Ferdinand whose assassination was the catalyst for the First World War) is comprised of four native Glasgow boys; bassist Bob Hardy, guitarist Nick McCarthy, drummer Paul Thomson, and singer/guitarist Alex Kapranos. Bringing together a mix of classical music, art and generally eclectic thinking Franz Ferdinand’s success has been supported by their clever videos and artwork taking inspiration from the Russian avante-garde movement. In fact it was the Breakthrough Video MTV award for the track “Take me Out” that arguably won them their popularity in the US. This third album was recorded at a former municipal building in Glasgow that gave them just the atmosphere they were looking for. “Nick found a building for our HQ. He has a knack for it. It was a crumbling Victorian town hall, recently vacated by the drug rehabilitation unit that was the last tenant. The flock wallpaper was peeling a little and the psychedelic municipal carpet was browned with fifty years of council nicotine, but the vibe was great and the monthly rent was half the daily rate of a London studio. There was a noise complaint from the nearby home for the deaf after our first session, but after we blocked the windows with fibreglass and rockwall nobody knew we were there. Daylight disappeared and night became permanent. We didn’t notice it, but the mood of the record began to form.” Various interviews have hinted that the album has more African influences. Indeed at a recent event “African Express Show” one track from the upcoming album was played featuring Malian ngoni player Bassekou Kouyaté, Senegalese percussionists, and British rapper Kano. The move towards a more “World Music” feel isn’t uncommon as bands grow in maturity. And it’s not just the band growing up. Alex Kapranos commented in an interview with Idiomag that "The last record was...like a teenager having sex. This one's a bit more assured and a bit friendlier for the dance floor." There have been lots of opportunities to get an advance taste of Franz' latest album - one being the Rhythm and Vines festival. But now you can stop feeling teased and rush out to buy the album! Released on January 26, now is the time to head to your local music store. Www.franzferdinand.co.uk www.rhythmandvines.co.nz 
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