Review: Franz Ferdinand - 'Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions'

Franz Ferdinand do what they do best

 

 

“Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions” finds Franz Ferdinand right where they belong. Somewhere between pop, rock and dance, Alex Kapranos and company cheerfully bounce their way through this collection of pleasantly infectious songs. Franz Ferdinand are veteran musicians and their expertise shines with ease throughout “RTRWRA.”

It's been four years since Franz Ferdinand released their last album, but that doesn't mean that the Scottish quartet have been relaxing. With coveted spots at Coachella in 2013 and Lollapalooza in 2012, Franz Ferdinand have been bringing their energy to live performances across the country and they were able to evoke that enthusiasm in “RTRWRA.” The album begins with “Right Action,” a melodic song with a funky bass line, compliments of Robert Hardy, that sets the mood for the rest of the album. Kapranos cleverly inserts humor into his lyrics as he sings, “This time, same as before/I'll love you forever.”

The album skips on, showing Franz Ferdinand's versatility with softer tracks like “The Universe Expanded” and “Treason! Animals,” but the band is at their best when incorporating clever metaphors over disco beats. “Stand on the Horizon” is a stellar track, taking its time to build into what is sure to become a dance anthem. Alex Kapranos masterfully controls his vocals manipulating them between powerful and at times wispy.

“RTRWRA” is exactly the kind of album you want from a band that has been rocking our worlds for the last ten years. It surprises us with new examples of patience and maturity, but consistently rocks for all of the reasons that we have grown to love Franz Ferdinand. “RTRWRA” is lively, toe tapping rock 'n' roll... plain and simple.