Franz Ferdinand
Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action

Franz Ferdinand: Chapter 4

After a whole 4 years since the electro/disco experimentations of the previous 'Tonight', Franz Ferdinand returns to the market with a simple and direct album, which, contrary to what is spread on the web, is not at all a return to their original sound (the 2003/2005 period, to be clear) but rather an elegant and heterogeneous collection of the various sounds that the band has explored over 10 years of a solid career. In fact, there are no major new developments, but the songs remain enjoyable from the first listen, and overall, the work does not present major hiccups during its 35-minute duration.

The single 'Right Action' kicks off with a funky military rhythm very indebted to Talking Heads; Kapranos offers his typical singing style between bored and cold, the Hardy-Thomson rhythm section is minimal yet inspired, while the dry and dragging guitars seem the same as ten years ago. The album proceeds well from the start with tracks like 'Evil Eye', ironic and kitsch-styled, the poppy single 'Love Illumination', and other interesting pieces such as 'Stand on the Horizons' and 'Fresh Strawberries', both very carefree and danceable. 'Bullet' seems to be a true tribute to the garage punk Franz Ferdinand of 2004 (does the old 'Cheating on You' ring a bell?), those who made crowds dance with their nervous and explosive sound, while the next track 'Treason! Animals' is always well-paced but much less energetic and captivating.

The 3 tracks that close the album ('The Universe Expanded', 'Brief Encounters', 'Goodbye Lovers and Friends'), instead, surprisingly explore new territories and are undoubtedly less typical of the ensemble, while still being pleasant episodes with a quiet and charming character.