Having formed in 2002, Franz Ferdinand have enjoyed much success in the last decade, with two Top 10 albums and a string of Top 10 singles to their name. Fresh from the release of their fourth studio album, the band played to a packed Southampton Guildhall on 19/03/14. Following support from Eagulls, the Glaswegian indie rock band began their set with Bullet from Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action. From the outset, the crowd, comprised mostly of families and older teenagers, were enthusiastic and singing along intently to every lyric.
The band performed a number of songs from each of their albums, including fan favourites This Fire and Ulysses as well as popular hits Take Me Out and No You Girls which were received particularly well by the crowd. The also band delved into their extensive back catalogue and presented forgotten gems such as Evil and a Heathen, which got the crowd dancing along. Frontman Alex Kapranos engaged with fans, often pointing the microphone out to the audience who sang along intently.The quartet wore matching black and grey patchwork jackets which complemented the monochrome staging, with grey podiums and white projector screens. The matching ensemble was especially effective when the band (communally!) played the drums at the end of Outsiders.
Photo courtesy of Charlie Butler
The band played an encore which was definitely worth waiting for, finishing with the appropriately titled Goodbye Lovers and Friends. After an energetic, engaging and thoroughly enjoyable performance, the audience were reluctant for the show to end. I would definitely recommend heading to one of their live gigs if you can!
Catch Franz Ferdinand in London this summer as part of the Somerset House Summer Series. Visit the Somerset House website for more information and to purchase tickets.
