Franz Ferdinand, the iconic Scottish rock band, has returned with their sixth studio album, The Human Fear, released on January 10. This marks the end of their longest hiatus between albums, with seven years passing since their previous release. The band’s journey through the music world has seen them rise to global fame in the early 2000s with hits like “Take Me Out” and “Do You Want To.” Despite the changing tides in the music scene, Franz Ferdinand has remained true to the indie rock sound that first defined them.
In an interview, frontman Alex Kapranos and bassist Bob Hardy discussed the themes of their new album, the resurgence of indie music, and their admiration for artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX.
The Human Fear – Fear, Relationships, And Self-Discovery
Kapranos explained that The Human Fear explores the theme of fear, particularly in the context of relationships. “The title is a clue to the theme,” he said, though he noted that the album wasn’t written with a single theme in mind. “But many of the songs, especially towards the end, touch on the idea of fear,” he added.
The album’s lyrics reflect a wide range of fears, including the fear of leaving a relationship, the fear of commitment, and even the fear of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. For Kapranos, fear is a universal experience, and its exploration is central to human nature. “Fear is fascinating because it’s something we all experience. How we respond to it, though, reveals who we are,” he said.
He pointed to specific songs on the album to illustrate these themes. “The Doctor” tackles the fear of leaving an institution, while “Bar Lonely” addresses the fear of ending a relationship. “Night or Day” delves into the fear of committing to someone. “Overcoming fear is something we all relate to,” he said, noting that it’s the reason people enjoy horror films or roller coasters – confronting fear brings a sense of exhilaration and aliveness.
The album’s latest single, “Audacious,” also explores fear in the context of life’s challenges. “Sometimes, it feels like everything is falling apart at once,” Kapranos explained. The song reflects that overwhelming feeling when personal and professional lives seem to unravel simultaneously. “It’s like when your relationship starts to fall apart, your job feels uncertain, and then your washing machine breaks down. All those little annoyances pile up.”
Indie Music’s Enduring Appeal
While indie music has seen a resurgence in recent years, Franz Ferdinand has remained steadfast in their commitment to the genre. “For us, indie music never went away,” Kapranos said. The band’s sound, which helped define the indie rock scene of the early 2000s, continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
As they look toward the future, Kapranos and Hardy also expressed their love for newer artists who are pushing boundaries in their own ways. They highlighted Chappell Roan and Charli XCX as two artists whose work they admire, noting their bold and innovative approach to music.
With The Human Fear, Franz Ferdinand reaffirms their place in the indie rock scene, delivering a collection of songs that reflect the band’s growth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to their craft.
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