Franz Ferdinand has had a career with growing gaps between new albums for a couple of years now, which might lead one to expect they are running low on ideas. However last Saturday's show at the Vic proved Franz Ferdinand is not only still running at full power, they have created the kind of enviable catalog that allows them to mix songs from every era and have the show feel like a cohesive whole. In other words, there are no "slow" spots where the band plays new songs and everyone heads for the bathroom. From the moment Franz Ferdinand hit the stage until the second they left, they had the entire crowd in the palm of their collective hands.
In fact, their new album The Human Fear made up almost half of the band's Saturday set, and that slinky collection of tunes fit in perfectly alongside early hits. Opening by sandwiching "The Dark Of The Matinee" off their debut between "Night Or Day" and "Bar Lonely" was an early sign this mix was going to work in the band and crowd's favor. Even throwing in a tune with a heavy nod to Greek folk music, “Black Eyelashes” was rapturously received with much dancing around the room. Had I not seen it for myself, that’s the kind of setlist move I would’ve expected to kill a show’s momentum, not increase it. But duh, that’s why Franz Ferdinand are rock stars and I’m not.
Since the night was so consistently rewarding for fans, the high points of the evening felt even higher, with the highlight perhaps being the extended intro to the group’s first big hit "Take Me Out." As lead singer and guitarist Alex Kapranos started to introduce the song, he claimed the guitar he needed for the tune was extremely sensitive to cellphone cameras. What could have turned into a cringeworthy extended rant against cameras at shows was instead presented as a simple requirement to move on to the next tune. And lemme tell you, during the first minute or so of "Take Me Out"—as it hit its thudding, inescapably hooky primal beat—you could feel the difference in the room, and instead of people paying 80% attention to the moment, they were into it 110%. Feel free to check my math; it's wholly accurate.
Look, there are a lot of great bands out there, but there are very few who can deliver this consistently and entertainingly without seeming scripted. But the entire band, and Kapranos in particular, are natural show people. While other bands might spend inordinate amounts of time trying to engage the crowd, Kapranos is the master of the shimmies, winks, shakes, and hand waves that immediately trigger thousands of people to up their own enthusiasm for the show. That's a real gift.
Franz Ferdinand just announced a new leg for their tour, so if they come through again, this is a show you don't want to miss.