Franz Ferdinand at Brixton Academy

In a sold-out Brixton Academy, a roar erupts when Alex Kapranos enters the stage. One can’t help but notice the Scottish frontman seems to age at a different pace from most human beings. His songwriting follows suit: many of Franz Ferdinand’s best tracks are now more than 20 years old, and it’s somewhat baffling that they still sound so fresh. Another realisation comes as they open with The Dark of the Matinée. The time when songs like this played on the radio now feels far too distant.

The brand of indie rock from this four-piece is one of a kind: at times ironic, at times explosive, danceable, witty, and driven by infectious riffs and a swaggering stage presence. The beautiful Walk Away, from their sophomore album You Could Have It So Much Better, arrives early in the set, and shortly after, Do You Want To sends Brixton into a collective frenzy. The response is palpable – the kind that shows why this venue remains so iconic for London’s music scene.

The highlight, though, is Jacqueline. It begins gently, then builds around a heavy bass line until it erupts into a barrage of riffs, Kapranos narrating tales of frustration with working life and longing for freedom. It’s Franz Ferdinand at their most complex. Then, Take Me Out brings the Academy together as one. It’s one of those songs that helped define a genre and remains beloved across generations, even by those who were never particularly devoted fans. However, the honour of closing the night falls to This Fire, a final burst that leaves Brixton with nothing left to give.

Nights like tonight are a reminder of how great British guitar music can be, but also of what has been missing: a new generation of bands to carry the torch and fill rooms like this.

Filippo L’Astorina
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

For further information and future events visit Franz Ferdinand’s website here.

Watch the video for The Dark Of The Matinée here: