Tonight: Franz Ferdinand - Album Review

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The new album by scottish four piece Franz Ferdinand is a return to the form of debut album. Their 3rd album opens with the funky dance track "Ulysses" which begins with a smooth bass line over whispered vocals leading into a thumping synth riff that keeps building until the catchy chorus kicks in. It is their best track since debut single "Take Me Out" and has been stuck in my head for a week. It is a promising start after their hit and miss second album You Could Have It So Much Better.

The album continues to bring the funk with "Turn It On", "No You Girls" and "Twilight Omens" featuring their trademark harmonised choruses and guitar hooks. The second half of the album doesn't quite reach the same level but there is enough good here to make it an enjoyable listen from start to finish. The epic length album version of "Lucid Dreams" does not work as well as the original 3 minute version that was released last year, but still has it's moments. "Bite Hard" opens with some gentle piano which transforms into another pumping dance anthem. "What She Came For" is another catchy dance/rock track as is "Can't Stop Feeling" which features some more dirty synth riffs.

The albums closing tracks "Dream Again" and "Katherine Kiss Me" are a quiet departure from the rest of the album, ditching the electronic sound for a more mellow vibe. This supports the bands assessment of the album having a dusk to dawn theme that starts with party songs and winds down as the album finishes. Although this album for the most part is more of the same, it is still their best album to date and an excellent addition to their catalogue. Here is the clip for the great new single "Ulysses"