Franz Ferdinand air chaotic disco-tinged single "Feel The Love Go"

The group - who have a newly revamped lineup since the departure of founding guitarist Nick McCarthy - have already shared lead single/title track "Always Ascending". Always Ascending was recorded in RAK in London and Motorbass in Paris with French producer Philippe Zdae (Phoenix, Beastie Boys). The LP is the first taste of a reinvigorated sound which is described by frontman Alex Kapranos as "simultaneously futuristic and naturalistic". Franz Ferdinand's previous album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action was released in 2013, although they teamed up with glam veterans Sparks for 2015's FFS project.

Franz Ferdinand also recently took to UK TV to perform another new number, "Paper Cages". As well as rolling out the tune, they had a few choice words for Theresa May and her cabal:

In these weird times we are playing a song live on Andrew Marr on BBC1 tomorrow morning at some ridiculous hour. Yes, LIVE. Theresa May’s interview is pre-recorded & there’s not that many Tory cunts on really so there’s no moral obligation to give anyone a slap. Tune in if ur up.

— Paul Thomson (@pabsdebussy) January 6, 2018

Ooh. How exciting! I wonder how long we've been part of the "cultural elite" for?

Also, if the NHS is "the past", I wonder what hellish replacement the future holds? https://t.co/JTAqcshqh0

— alex kapranos (@alkapranos) January 7, 2018

This is far from the first time that Franz Ferdinand - a band named very obviously after a key 20th century political figure - have used their music and/or their platform to discuss politics: they released a track about US President Donald Trump in 2016 and vocally supported Scottish independence during the 2014 referendum.

The Glasgow-based indie veterans are set to embark on a European tour soon, with a UK leg which includes shows in Glasgow and London in February. Find out more.

Tracklist:

1. Always Ascending
2. Lazy Boy
3. Paper Cages
4. Finally
5. The Academy Award
6. Lois Lane
7. Huck And Jim
8. Glimpse Of Love
9. Feel The Love Go
10. Slow Don’t Kill Me Slow