Franz with benefits

Frontman Alex Kapranos on how the new album is like nothing they’ve done before

Thirteen years on from their Mercury-winning, game-changing debut, Glasgow greats Franz Ferdinand return next year with Always Ascending.

A stunning rebirth and rediscovery of everything that made them special, it’s the band’s first album since they formed a super group with art pop legends Sparks.

“The last FF LP felt like the end of a decade,” explains frontman Alex Kapranos. “If you put the needle on any groove on this LP you’ll know it’s Franz Ferdinand, but it won’t sound like anything you’ve heard us do before.”

Following the departure of guitarist Nick McCarthy in 2016, FF were energised by a new partnership with French producer Philippe Zdar, famed for his work with Phoenix and his own synth pop duo Cassius.

“His records always sound fresh and modern, but raw too,” Alex enthuses. “That was very important when making this record. While our aim was to make the sound of the future, we played it live in the studio.

“At the heart of this LP is the sound of us playing in a room together. Never more than two or three takes. Philippe is the master mixer in every sense – he also makes the meanest whiskey sour I ever drank. Insane.”

With a young family to care for, McCarthy’s departure was inevitable, and Alex insists there was no fallout.

“Knowing that he’d be going home at the end of that last tour meant it was a lot more enjoyable for everyone,” he says.

“I wish I could give you a great rock ’n’ roll story about that time I tried to decapitate him with a Fender Telecaster, but there’s no bad blood. I think he’s very happy to leave the rock star life behind and he still has time to make music with his wife Manuela before he has to pick the kids up from school.”

Always Ascending’s magnificence is bound to see fans old and new flocking to see the band. “I think we are very lucky with our fans,” reflects Alex. “I always find it amazing how there are so many younger people into the band.

“At recent gigs, there were a lot of fans who must have been toddlers when our first LP came out. There are others who have followed the band since our first gigs. It’s like seeing old pals.”

Past success has brought a cupboard full of awards – Brits, Ivor Novellos, platinum discs. It’s gratifying but Alex doesn’t set much store by them.

“I give them to my mum,” he says. “She loves that stuff.”