Franz Ferdinand: The Human Fear Review

Franz Ferdinand's latest album is like that long-lost cousin who shows up to the family reunion after years of radio silence – and guess what? They're not only still cool, they're more interesting than ever. After the glittery but ultimately tepid "Always Ascending" and their highly entertaining 2015 Sparks collab, this sixth album feels like a breath of fresh air, or perhaps more like a crisp gin & tonic after too many flat sodas.

From the get-go, Audacious bursts out of the gate like a caffeine-fueled Kapranos at a karaoke bar—distinct, snappy, and totally sure of itself. The opening tracks are a shimmering collection of pop-tart energy that have your feet involuntarily tapping. The Doctor is like a frantic doctor’s appointment, full of manic energy, and Hooked deserves to have dance floors buzzing, if not totally burning up.

But, hold on. This isn’t all neon lights and bubbly synths. Around the middle, the album goes through a bit of a midlife crisis. The Human Fear might make you wonder if the band accidentally stumbled into a quieter, moodier phase, with tracks like Tell Me I Should Stay (which, while cool, channels the spirit of '80s Jean-Michel Jarre a little too literally) and Cats—a track so auto-pastiche it could be a tribute to the band’s earlier selves, if only they weren't half-joking.

So, is it a comeback? Not entirely. It’s more of a rejuvenation. The return of Alex and Bob is certainly a spark, but don’t expect it to be all fireworks. Some of the middle parts sag like an overcooked soufflé, but for the most part, this album is a quirky, fizzy good time that makes you wonder if Franz Ferdinand have finally found the right formula.

Listen to the single "Audacious" here:

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