Franz Ferdinand : Tonight: Franz Ferdinand :: Review
‘Tonight: Franz Ferdinand’ is an album that marks a bit of a return to familiar territory for Franz Ferdinand. It appears that the expansive streak of ‘You Could Have It So Much Better’ has been tempered a bit, and experimental flourishes are now kept to the periphery. This was not done in defeat however; Franz Ferdinand still delivers the goods on the majority of these tracks. ‘Tonight’ is more of a concept album that explores the highs and lows associated with an evening of debauchery. This album covers all its bases from the initial excitement of the early evening to the numbness of the morning after.
The album reveals its theme from the start with the lyrics “Come on, let’s get high” repeated like a mantra in the cocksure “Ulysses.” The angular rhythms favored by Franz Ferdinand have also returned and make a momentary nod to “Take Me Out” before moving into darker territory. “Turn It On” whirs and buzzes by with its stop-start melody and shouted refrain while building to a vertigo-inducing finale. “No You Girls” marks the return of the snarky and danceable tone of the S/T album by way of Blondie.
As the conceptual evening of the album moves on, so does the ebb and flow of the album. The energy levels shift, as “Send Him Away” prefers a contemplative sound that also features sixties styled organ in the outro leading to a very pensive “ Twilight Omens.” “Bite Hard” opens similarly to “Eleanor Put Your Boots On” before being injected with a bit of testosterone and segueing into a rave up. The chilly “Live Alone” implies that happiness is unattainable within a partnership.
“Lucid Dreams” offers a disaffecting electronic ensemble that exceeds the band’s grasp at times as it moves through various stages. “Dream Again” lopes on through to the conceptual album closer, “Katherine Kiss Me.” “Katherine Kiss Me” is an acoustic lament after the eventual one night stand. The song reflects the weary state of mind of the protagonist as he indifferently examines what should occur next.
‘Tonight: Franz Ferdinand’ is an album that plays to Franz Ferdinand’s strengths while incorporating a socially conscious commentary. By the way, the album is also a solid listen and welcome return to form.
