Franz Ferdinand's 2004 debut was seen by many as the British answer to The Strokes' Is This It (2001). As fresh as the rattling guitars of the Americans were, so relevant were the angular rhythms of the Scots. Both bands played with little frills and tastefully returned to the rich pop history. In doing so, they showed countless copycats how they could gain (fleeting) fame. About ten years later,
… the many followers have long since disappeared from the scene and The Strokes, like Franz Ferdinand, have lost much of their luster. Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action is the Scots' fourth album and follows four years of radio silence. The motto seems to be going back to the successful debut. The same funky guitars and neurotic choruses are present again. Everything is easy to whistle along and the lyrics easily settle in your brain. At the same time, the old successes are not equaled and as a listener you get more sense to get the debut out of the dust again. Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, it's not enough. (JE)more
