for whatever reason, i always took franz ferdinand too seriously— that is, until i heard their cover of gwen stefani’s “what you waitin’ for?” and then it all just clicked. i still wouldn’t call myself a huge fan, but it was at that point that i understood what they were about and gained a respect for them and their playfulness; i reached a point where i wanted to like them. tonight: franz ferdinand brings the band closer to my heart, with a set of smart, fun, and dancy songs that measure up to what the band has done in the past without necessarily repeating it. the first half of the record finds FF hitting their stride quite effortlessly with songs like “ulysses” and “bite hard,” and even borrowing from the likes of clinic and soft cell, respectively. i’m also tempted to say that alex kapranos is reminding me more and more of jarvis cocker in his power to be incredibly witty and maintain an ironic distance, but to also be sincere when he has to, without sounding cheesy or ridiculous. in short, you can expect the usual from FF on tonight , but with a stronger electro influence . i doubt this record will do much to convert the uninitiated to the fold, but no one is expecting a radical shift in dynamics from these guys either. perhaps what’s most interesting about this record is where FF actually play with their songwriting, as the latter part of the record, from “lucid dreams”‘ grating synths to “katherine kiss me” ’s acoustic uncertainty and hesitation, boasts a new side to the band and a new list of possibilities for the future. franz ferdinand continue to be a beacon in the world of popular indie rock, and tonight is sure to satisfy those willing to give it a chance.
Filed under: Album Review , 2009, franz ferdinand, tonight: franz ferdinand
