With multiple albums, number-one hits, and a collection of awards under their belt, most bands might settle into the comfort of their greatest hits. Not Franz Ferdinand. Still eager to release new music and experiment with their sound, the Glasgow five returned to O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, showing that their commitment to longevity is still going strong.
Their last appearance in this West London venue saw them perform for a Tom Robinson curated BBC event and tonight they deliver a set blending classic crowd-pleasers with tracks from their latest album ‘The Human Fear’. Clocking in at an energetic hour and 20 minutes, the show balances fresh material with beloved hits – and let’s be honest, the crowd are here for the latter. While newer tracks are met with polite attention, the atmosphere shifts to full-blown excitement for fan favourites like ‘Take Me Out, ‘No You Girls’, and ‘Do You Want To’.
The night closes with an extended rendition of ‘This Fire’ where frontman Alex Kapranos takes a moment to introduce each band member as their instruments gradually build the track. A nice touch to the end of the set. Musically, the band remain tight and professional, a testament to their two decades together whilst Kapranos himself struts across the stage, blending elements of Jarvis Cocker, Alex Turner, and Nick Cave in his performance style. Whether this theatrical flair entirely suits him is up for debate, and his tendency to stray from the original melodies – singing slightly off-beat for much of the set – grew a little tiresome as the night continues on. Still, the infectious ‘Love Illumination’ stands out with its Blondie-inspired groove, a nod to their past cover of ‘Call Me’ on the Domino 2009 compilation ‘War Child Presents Heroes Vol.1’. Given their penchant for covering bold female pop artists – including most recently Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ for BBC Radio 2 and Chappell Roan’s ‘Good Luck, Babe’ – it would have been a treat to see them revisit one of those tonight.
A mid-set collaboration with support act Master Peace on new track, ‘Hooked’ injects a bit of fresh energy, with Kapranos bounding across the stage, his lanky frame evoking a Tim Burton character come to life. It’s a playful moment that hinted at the band’s willingness to evolve, even if the newer material doesn’t quite ignite the same spark reaction as their classics.
As the crowd ‘Walk Away’, it’s clear that Franz Ferdinand know how to keep the fire burning after all these years. Tonight is a reminder that Alex and co still know how to put on a show. Whilst they may not be pushing boundaries anymore, they continue to deliver a live experience that’s polished, entertaining, and nostalgic.
Setlist:
Bar Lonely
The Dark of the Matinée
Night or Day
Walk Away
Everydaydreamer
Do You Want To
Audacious
The Doctor
No You Girls
Build It Up
40′
Black Eyelashes
Michael
Love Illumination
Take Me Out
Hooked (with Master Peace)
Outsiders
Encore:
Cats
Evil and a Heathen
The Birds
This Fire
Words: Jazz Hodge
