Franz Ferdinand, the Scottish art-rock band, returns with their first studio album in seven years, The Human Fear, a record undeniably steeped in their signature sound yet brimming with a renewed energy. The album marks a new chapter for the band, navigating a changed lineup and exploring fresh thematic territory while remaining true to their distinctive guitar-driven sound. Lead singer Alex Kapranos embraces this continuity, seeing it as liberating and allowing them to venture into unexplored musical landscapes while maintaining their core identity. He draws parallels with artists like Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, who consistently retain their unique sonic fingerprints while evolving their artistry. The Human Fear is a testament to this philosophy, each track resonating with the unmistakable Franz Ferdinand spirit.
The album’s creation coincided with significant shifts in the band’s dynamic. Paul Thomson, the original drummer, departed in 2021, making way for Audrey Tait, described by Kapranos as "the best drummer in Scotland." Dino Bardot and Julian Corrie, who joined in 2017, solidify their roles as rhythm guitarist and keyboardist, respectively. This revamped lineup has injected a fresh impetus into the band, transforming them into what Kapranos describes as a "pirate crew," a tight-knit group of friends navigating the world of music together. This camaraderie and mutual support are palpable, contributing to the album’s vibrant energy.
Kapranos’ personal life also underwent a profound transformation with the birth of his son, an experience that deeply influenced the album’s themes. The song "Hooked," from which the album title is derived, encapsulates the overwhelming rush of love and the accompanying primal fear that parenthood evokes. Kapranos describes the experience as an emotional watershed, an intensity of love he had never previously encountered. This newfound love is juxtaposed with the existential fears that have haunted him since his youth, now dwarfed by the all-consuming desire to protect his son. This dichotomy of love and fear, amplified by the challenges of balancing fatherhood with the demands of touring, forms a central emotional core of the album.
The Human Fear encapsulates this spectrum of emotions, seamlessly blending high-energy dance tracks with introspective, theatrical moments. "Audacious," the album’s lead single, marks a triumphant return, echoing the infectious catchiness of their breakout hit, "Take Me Out." Kapranos emphasizes the transformative power of music, its ability to lift spirits even when grappling with dark subject matter. He finds the shared experience of live performance exhilarating, a sentiment that fuels the band’s continued passion. The album also features tracks like "Tell Me I Should Stay," which traverses moments of quiet contemplation before exploding into a Beach Boys-esque euphoria, and "Night Or Day," a piano-driven track showcasing Julian Corrie’s virtuosity, which Kapranos refers to as a "human arpeggiator."
The album’s lyrical content delves into personal experiences and broader social commentary. "The Doctor," inspired by Kapranos’s childhood struggles with asthma, explores the paradoxical comfort found within institutional settings and the anxieties of re-entering the outside world. It also serves as a tribute to the NHS and its life-saving interventions. Other songs reflect on themes of identity, fear, and the complexities of human relationships. Kapranos’s songwriting retains its characteristic wit and observational acuity, delivering lyrics that are both poignant and thought-provoking.
Beyond personal reflections, The Human Fear also touches on the political landscape, particularly the impact of Brexit. Kapranos candidly expresses his frustration with the bureaucratic hurdles and financial burdens imposed on touring musicians post-Brexit, lamenting the potential stifling of young British bands’ ability to reach European and global audiences. He is in the process of applying for French citizenship due to the restrictions on his time in France, where his wife and son reside. This personal experience underscores the wider ramifications of Brexit on the music industry and the cultural exchange it hinders.
Despite these challenges, Franz Ferdinand remains a vital force in the music scene. Kapranos finds immense satisfaction in the band’s continued relevance, particularly their resonance with a younger generation of fans. He describes the band’s evolution as a continuous journey, with him and bassist Bob Hardy, the only remaining founding members, still at the heart of the creative process. Their shared history, originating from their days working together in a Glasgow kitchen, forms a strong foundation for their enduring partnership. The Human Fear symbolizes a new beginning for Franz Ferdinand, a testament to their resilience and their unwavering commitment to crafting music that is both timeless and contemporary. The album is a dynamic blend of their signature sound and fresh perspectives, reaffirming their position as a significant force in the art-rock landscape.
