LONDON — Twenty years ago, the Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand made a significant impact on the music scene. With their energetic performances and catchy tunes, they quickly established themselves as global favorites, especially with their hit singles “Take Me Out” and “Do You Want To.” While much has evolved since their inception, the group’s commitment to the exuberant sounds of 2000s indie rock has remained steadfast. Recently, the indie genre has seen a revival; however, for Franz Ferdinand, that spirit has never faded.
On Friday, the band is set to unveil “The Human Fear,” their sixth studio album, marking their first new music in seven years and concluding their longest hiatus between projects.
Lead singer Alex Kapranos explains that the album delves into the dynamics of relationships, both their formation and dissolution. “The title hints at the overarching theme,” he shares, “but it wasn’t intentionally written around that concept at least not in a conscious manner.”
During an interview in London, Kapranos and bassist Bob Hardy spoke about “The Human Fear,” the indie music revival, and their admiration for artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX. The answers have been modified for clarity and brevity.
In response to a question about the origin of “The Human Fear,” Kapranos notes, “The last song completed was ‘Hooked,’ which starts with the line, ‘I’ve got the fear / I’ve got the human fear.’ I found that many tracks within this album share a theme of fear. However, it’s more about overcoming fear rather than being consumed by it.”
He elaborates further on specific tracks, pointing out how “The Doctor” revolves around the anxiety of departing from an institution, while “Bar Lonely” explores the fear of leaving a relationship. Meanwhile, “Night or Day” grapples with the commitment issue in romantic partnerships. Kapranos emphasizes that fear is a universal experience, yet everyone’s reactions to it are unique, helping to shape individual identities. He suggests that the exhilaration of conquering fear is a common motivator for engaging in thrill-seeking activities like horror films or roller coasters.
When discussing their latest single, “Audacious,” which addresses fear, Kapranos reflects, “The song begins with that overwhelming sensation where it feels like life is crumbling around you. This can stem from multiple sources, such as a deteriorating relationship alongside work troubles, or even mundane problems like a leaking washing machine. The weight of it can be suffocating. In response, I thought about tackling it with an audacious mindset and taking personal accountability in overcoming these challenges.”
Regarding changes in their songwriting process, Kapranos explains, “We aren’t those bands that set aside time specifically to write an album. Inspiration strikes at any moment, and for this album, ideas were developed right up until the day we sent it off to be mastered. Some concepts span back decades, like the bassline from one of our songs that dates back to 1995.” He likens his creative process to that of a chaotic university professor—while it may look frantic, he insists everything is organized in his head.
Hardy chimes in, saying, “For me, performing live has become the biggest reward for creating records. It’s all about the energy of playing in front of an audience and witnessing their real-time reactions, as opposed to simply releasing the music and guessing people’s responses.”
On the topic of the current indie music revival, Hardy asserts, “It’s never truly left.” Kapranos adds that there was a time in the late 2000s when indie became so mainstream that it risked oversaturation, which could lead to a decline in quality. This saturation often triggers a shift toward different genres. He acknowledges the brilliance found in pop music today, praising artists like Charli XCX and Chappell Roan. However, he also notes that not everything in the contemporary scene is top-tier. Kapranos concludes that from their perspective, the focus should be on creating music they are passionate about, ensuring they remain on the right path.
