For fans of Franz Ferdinand, it’s been four long years. The band’s upcoming fourth album (entitled Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action) will be released on August 27th and is their first batch of new material since 2009’s Tonight: Franz Ferdinand.

So what does the dance-pop-rock act sound like after such a hiatus? About the same. The tone, the rhythms, the vocals, the hooks… it’s all pretty much the same as it ever was.

Not that it’s a total rehash, and not that it’s a bad thing either. Franz Ferdinand sort of follows the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” format of the band Cake. They’ve always sounded about the same, and if you’re a fan then you’d ask for nothing else. However the last track on Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, “Goodbye Lovers & Friends”, seems to be a bit more experimental than what I’d normally expect from this band… teetering between cues taken from The Beatles and The Doors.

Two singles have already hit listeners ears (“Right Action” and “Love Illumination”). They’re alright. The highlight track by far (for me) would be track 2: “Evil Eye”. It’s just plain catchy and groovy.

…Having said all that, I have to say it’s the least-interesting of the Ferdinand releases. There are a few cool moments, but apart from 2 or 3 songs it failed to hold my interest like the pervious records did.

What do you think of the new singles? Are you excited to hear the record?

Rating: 6.5/10