Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear

There is nothing to fear.

Franz Ferdinand is alive and kicking. Moreover, they’re back with a new album, The Human Fear, their first in nearly six years. A lot has changed during this time—both in the world and for the band itself. So how does Franz Ferdinand sound in 2025? Even as I begin writing this review, I’m still unsure about my feelings toward the album. But let’s dive in together and figure it out.

At its core, The Human Fear feels like a return to Franz Ferdinand's beginnings. If you’ve heard their iconic debut album, you’ll notice a similar structure, vibe, and energy here. Naturally, this evokes a wave of warm nostalgia. This isn’t an album built on experimentation; rather, it’s a comforting slice of indie rock. It’s the kind of record you’d enjoy not by jumping and headbanging but by sitting on the couch with a warm drink in hand.

Despite its somewhat ominous title, The Human Fear is far from a dark album. Instead, it serves as a gentle reminder that fear is a sign of being alive. These songs are surprisingly uplifting, even hopeful, in their essence. Tracks like Audacious, Build It Up, and Cats stand out as highlights. However, the album occasionally takes a peculiar turn with tracks like Hooked or The Doctor, which break the flow with their [let’s call them] unusual tones. These moments feel playful and quintessentially Franz Ferdinand, but they also disrupt the cohesion at times.

Lyrically, the album is straightforward, almost to a fault. Frontman Alex Kapranos has mentioned that The Human Fear delves into themes of social isolation, the fear of abandonment, and the complexities of relationships. While these ideas are compelling, the lyrics often scratch the surface without going deeper. For a band with such a long and accomplished career, one might expect more profound or adventurous storytelling.

Clocking in at just 35 minutes, the album doesn’t overstay its welcome. Its brevity is both a strength and a weakness: you don’t get tired of it, but the shallow exploration of its themes leaves you wanting more substance. Despite this, The Human Fear is undeniably accessible, enjoyable, and, in parts, exhilarating.

This is a record I’ll happily revisit—maybe not as a whole but certainly for a handful of standout tracks that are playlist-worthy. This album won’t reinvent Franz Ferdinand’s legacy or mark a bold new chapter for the band. But it’s a heartfelt reminder of why we fell in love with them in the first place. It may not carry the grandeur of their earlier work, but it rekindles the nostalgia and charm that have defined their music for decades.

6.9/10

The Human Fear by Franz Ferdinand will be released on January 10 via Domino Records.