‘Music Wrap-Up’ collects the coverage (links) on an album, artist, project, or otherwise, into one easily accessible document. 

After reviewing various singles from Always Ascending, the fifth studio album by Franz Ferdinand, as well as reviewing album itself, we’ve compartmentalized our coverage into one place.  On Musical Wrap-Up, you’ll find ALL of our coverage for Always Ascending linked in one place.  

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Blurb: Scottish alternative band Franz Ferdinand is back following more than a four-year hiatus between ‘proper’ studio albums (Right Thoughts Right Words Right Action, 2013). The height of the band’s popularity was their self-titled album (2004) with hit single “Take Me Out” and the homoerotic highlight, “Michael”. Always Ascending is comprised of 10 songs, including advance singles “Always Ascending,” “Lazy Boy,” and “Feel the Love Go.”

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Album Review

Headline: Following a five-year hiatus, alternative rock darlings Franz Ferdinand returns with their fifth studio album, Always Ascending. 

Verdict: 3 ½ out of 5 stars: “While Franz Ferdinand aren’t nearly as big as they once were, they remain alluring past their lucrative prime. Always Ascending isn’t ‘the second coming’ or a massive resurgence for Alex Kapranos and company.  It is, however, an enjoyable, well-rounded album with some notable experimentation. Not everything feels epic, but more often than not, the majority is deserving of praise and worth checking out.”

Source: Franz Ferdinand, Always Ascending | Album Review

Individual Track Reviews

The Musical Hype also penned reviews for all of the teaser tracks that arrived in advance of Always Ascending.  The reviews are linked below, as well as a summarization of our thoughts on those singles.

1. “Always Ascending”

Headline: Franz Ferdinand returns with an enigmatic, quirky comeback single, “Always Ascending,” the title-track from fifth studio album arriving in 2018.

Verdict: 3 ½ out of 5 stars: “If nothing else, “Always Ascending” is creative, interesting, and quirky.  Franz Ferdinand are onto something here, but the question is what? The vibe is a pro throughout, even if it takes a couple of listens to get into the band’s head with this one.   The production is noteworthy.” 

Source: Franz Ferdinand, ‘Always Ascending’ | Track Review

2. “Feel the Love Go”

Headline: Alternative rock darlings Franz Ferdinand return with “Feel the Love Go,” the second single from their fifth studio album, ‘Always Ascending.’

Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars: “Franz Ferdinand aren’t nearly as big as they once were – namely their self-titled “Take Me Out” and “Michael” days. Regardless of their commercial fortunes as of late, “Feel the Love Go” is a terrific dance-rock single.  While not as progressive as the title track, it’s clearly more accessible.”

Source:  Franz Ferdinand, ‘Feel the Love Go’ | Track Review

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