Scottish rock royalty Franz Ferdinand are slated to return with their newly-announced follow up to 2018’s “Always Ascending,” entitled “The Human Fear.” The new batch of songs will be the first time new bandmates Audrey Tait (drums) and Dino Bardot (guitar) will feature in the record-making process, not just in a purely live capacity. The band will be leading the pack in terms of early releases to look forward to in the year to come, skyrocketing to the top of 2025’s most-anticipated albums. As with previous outings, a Franz record is rarely just a simple collection of plucky tracks with no greater aims. Lead singer Alex Kapranos et al weaves each track into a larger tapestry of theme and meaning that guide the full-length’s direction.

On the matter of the record’s title and how the theme of fear can be expected to be explored, Kapranos remarks “Making this record was one of the most life-affirming experiences I’ve had, but it’s called The Human Fear — fear reminds you that you’re alive.I think we all are addicted in some way to the buzz [fear] can give us. How we respond to it shows how we are human. So, here’s a bunch of songs searching for the thrill of being human via fears. Not that you’d necessarily notice on first listen. ”

The announcement comes with the release of the record’s first single, “Audacious,” which blends sonic elements of their last record with soulful, almost Freddie Mercury-esque vocal delivery from lead singer Alex Kapranos. The track sports a shiny new music video, which can be watched below:

The record will consist of consist of the following 11 tracks:

01. Audacious
02. Everyday Dreamer
03. The Doctor
04. Hooked
05. Build It Up
06. Night or Day
07. Tell Me I Should Stay
08. Cats
09. Black Eyelashes
10. Bar Lonely
11. The Birds

The album cover is directly inspired by visual artist Dora Maurer‘s “Seven Twists.” Kapranos makes clear the connection between Maurer’s work and The Human Fear – “it has a strong, unforgettable, immediate impact, yet triggers your own emotional response, bringing it a depth which allows many returns.”

“The Human Fear” is scheduled for a January 10, 2025 release via Domino, which will be followed by a European homecoming tour, visiting London, Paris, Berlin, and eventually making their way back to Glasgow.

Franz Ferdinand 2025 European Tour Dates:

02/14 – Lisbon, PT @ Aula Magna
02/15 – A Coruña, ES @ Sala Pelican
02/17 – Madrid, ES @ La Riviera
02/18 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz
02/20 – Milan, IT @ Fabrique
02/21 – Zurich, CH @ X-Tra
02/22 – Munich, DE @ Muffathalle
02/24 – Berlin, DE @ Huxleys Neue Welt
02/25 – Warsaw, PL @ Progresja
02/27 – Paris, FR @ La Cigale
02/28 – Cologne, DE @ Die Kantine
03/01 – Antwerp, BE @ De Roma
03/03 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
03/05 – London, UK @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire
03/07 – Glasgow, UK @ Barrowlands