Franz Ferdinand: “The Human Fear” ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bringing the swagger to 2025 with an upbeat, power-packed new album.
The Human Fear is the sixth studio album by Franz Ferdinand and their first studio album with new drummer Audrey Tait.
The first play feels like a collection of lost songs by the band and there’s definitely a feeling that they’re going back to their roots somewhat.
For an album full of songs based on various fears, it’s pretty upbeat. But maybe that’s the secret sauce? Franz Ferdinand’s never been the band to sit in a corner crying into their pints. Maybe the best way to beat any kind of fear is to lift your head and use positivity to kick its ass.
Take “Night Or Day,” for example. The lyrics “Life never gonna be easy, but if you're living it with me we're gonna live it up, night or day” feel like a battle cry for the good vibes army. Then there’s the opener, “Audacious,” setting the tone with the line, “There’s no one to save us, so just carry on.” It’s a proper “keep calm and crack on” anthem.
One of the standout tracks, “Bar Lonely,” hits like a shot of whiskey in a dodgy pub. It’s moody, dark, and dripping with Pulp-esque swagger. The line, “Where can you go where no one knows your name. No-one's glad that you came,” is pure poetry for anyone who’s tried to drown a memory in a glass of something strong.
Releasing an album this early in the year is a bold move, but Franz Ferdinand have nailed it. The Human Fear is just the kickstart we need to shake off those post-Christmas blues. So, what are you waiting for?
Stand-out tracks: “Audacious”, “Night Or Day”, “Bar Lonely”.
