Franz Ferdinand may be the biggest thing to hit the U.K. recently, but the band will soon find out whether or not it has what it takes to succeed in the American music industry.
The group's self-titled album (the band's name is taken from the Archduke Franz Ferdinand), which hit stores March 9, is strikingly reminiscent of The Strokes. The old airy power guitar has a forceful sound, with rhythmic beats timed perfectly to a loose British voice. Franz Ferdinand creates music that is both catchy and smart -- Brit-pop with an edge.
The band's sound can be described as 80's synth-pop infused by rhythm guitars and good ol' Beatles-indebted rock n'roll. Franz Ferdinand draws on all kinds of British music to combat the retro-rock threat, and create a sort of 'cross-the-pond hybridism -- a "White Strokes," if you will.
Pre-"OK Computer" Radiohead is wildly evident on Franz's quieter songs like "Auf Achse" and "Jacqueline." The Blur influence comes in full force with rockers like "Come on Home," and the influence of the Strokes is omnipresent on all songs. It is as if Franz Ferdinand tuned their guitars precisely to match those of their New York rivals, while secretly practicing in the same garage for the last ten years.
Nevertheless, this is smart pop music. It is music to get ready with, music you can drive with, and sing along with full throttle, all while feeling comfortable enough to keep the windows rolled down. Contrary to much of the bubblegum music that has hit airwaves recently, there is real musical talent underneath the pop-coating of Franz Ferdinand. The band's two singles, "Take Me Out" and "Darts of Pleasure," have been receiving major airtime in the U.K and are just beginning to emerge on alternative rock stations in the U.S.
Although the singles are the highlight of the album, with their fast-paced, catchy rhythm, the entire CD feels wiry and energetic, flowing nicely through an intricate song lineup.
Now that the members of Franz Ferdinand have the U.K. on its feet, they are looking to expand their fan base. Equipped with airy electric guitars and the pop British music, they're now following the plethora of English bands that come to the United States for the famed music industry.
The album opens with the schizophrenic rocker "Jacqueline." The song begins with a soft strumming acoustic guitar ringing through the opening measures against the melodic voice of lead singer Alexander Kapranos, before quickly mutating into a fast paced monster.
Moving into quieter territory is "Tell Her Tonight," a fun tune that is reminiscent of early '90s punk-ska filtered through the sound-system of a 70s disco. The Brit whine hits true in this catchy tune, with the chorus of "Gonna have to tell her tonight" skirting the thin line between catchy and irritating.
All the songs have a catchy, repetitive tune, and you can't help singing along even hours after you've put the album down, definitely an economic pull for the band. They also have a danceable quality, as well as an ability to reach out and grab you. The album is a gem of sorts, one that delivers on its hype. It is smart, musical, and fun, a tough mix to come by these days, and Franz Ferdinand deserves all the hype it can get.
All that being said, the songs end up being very similar, and it's hard to remember the individual tunes, despite their initial appeal. Nevertheless, the United Kingdom is on to something here: Franz Ferdinand is a good band with the songs to match. Unfortunately, none of it is really all that new.
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