Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear in Review

Although I said as part of my ABCommunities Challenge (thanks again, John Cox), that I would try and do something a little different for any communities I've written before in a few times, I love this album so wanted to talk about it.

There is a lot of emphasis on bands and artists, especially those who have been in the business for a long time, to try and always do something different. I love it when bands step outside their comfort zone and push boundaries, all that jazz. Even when it revolves around jazz.

However, sometimes there is a real power in knowing where your strengths lie. That is what Franz Ferdinand realised. The Scottish post-punk band have mixed elements of rock, indie, Britpop, dance, electronica, punk, new wave and everything else into their sound since they formed in 2002, don't reinvent the wheel on The Human Fear, released on January 28, 2025.

Let me tell you, this album, the sixth of their career, is all the better for this approach. It is a joyful blast of riffs, swagger, and thoughtful and uplifting lyrics. I feel safe to say that it is the first great album of the year.

The Actual Review

A lot has happened since the fifth album, Always Ascending, was released. That came out in February 2018, and then we had the years the world shut down thanks to Covid. During the time they've been away, Alex Kapranos has got married and become a father, and more changes have occurred in their line-up. The title "The Human Fear" refers to the fears we all have at different points in our lives. Whether it is the fear of leaving or staying in a relationship, fear of leaving an institution, or fear of social isolation, all are put under the microscope. Though the themes are reflective, the band’s characteristic energy keeps the album vibrant rather than heavy-handed.

The 11 tracks that make up the album buzz along at a reasonable pace. Proceedings kick off with the rhetorical question of the verses and the rousing chorus of opener, Audacious,

"But don't stop feeling audacious, there's no one to save us

So just carry on

And don't go blaming the nеighbours, you know they're the samе as us

We should just get on

Get on"

Franz have never sounded so alive, and happy to be alive at that. Everydaydreamer hums along nicely, a breezy earworm that keeps things moving. Then comes the sleazy nightclub vibe of Hooked, a dirty, synth-driven glammy stomper. One of the standouts and one of my particular favourites is the truly spectacular Black Eyelashes, with sounds and lyrics that give a nod to Alex Kapranos' Greek heritage for the first time. Another real treat is Tell Me I Should Stay which is tremendous.

Kapranos has described the album as the most 'Franz-y' yet, and it truly delivers. His voice has never sounded better, full of wit and charm and a delightful turn of phrase.

Even on the songs that could easily just be considered as filler, like Build it Up or The Doctor, there is an undeniable charisma and lively spirit that can't be denied. The second single from the album, Night or Day feels nostalgic in all the right ways and Build It Up, Cats and Bar Lonely provide plenty of reminders of why Franz have remained a popular 00s band. The Birds bookends The Human Fear experience. Quiet, resolute, and the perfect moment of acceptance and gratitude to complete an album that celebrates the messiness of modern living and facing the fears as they come, with the lines-

"No, the birds don't care

What the birds have done

Thank you for accepting me

Despite what I have done

Thank you for accepting me

Despite what I've become"

Something, I think we can all resonate with those sentiments.

Full Tracklisting

1. Audacious
2. Everydaydreamer
3. The Doctor
4. Hooked
5. Build It Up
6. Night or Day
7. Tell Me I Should Stay
8. Cats
9. Black Eyelashes
10. Bar Lonely
11. The Birds

Final Verdict

Weaving the introspection of Always Ascending with the pizzazz of their self-titled debut, The Human Fear is fun, reflective, and undeniably Franz Ferdinand. Big choruses, hooks galore—this is an album to dance to, tap your foot to, and truly enjoy.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the band, The Human Fear is well worth a listen—and don’t miss their upcoming tour if you get the chance!

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Thanks for reading!

Author's Notes: This is for week three of my ABCommunities challenge. Please also take a look at Rachel Deeming's entries into the challenge as she originated the idea.

If you are interested, here are the previous entries into my challenge:

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