Franz are on the up

A Parisian electronic legend has helped Franz Ferdinand continue broadening their horizons. The Scottish band’s next studio album, Always Ascending, lands on 9 February featuring production by French studio whiz and DJ Philippe Zdar (Cassius, Phoenix, Beastie Boys). It’s their fi rst material since Sparks collaboration FFS, plus the arrival of new bandmates Julian Corrie and Dino Bardot. Frontman Alex Kapranos calls the music, “simultaneously futuristic and naturalistic.” Franz Ferdinand tour the UK and Ireland next year commencing at Galway Leisure Centre on 10 February.