Franz Ferdinand slink back with "Always Ascending", the lead single from album number five

25 October 2017, 17:20 | Written by Laurence Day

(News)

(Franz Ferdinand)

Franz Ferdinand have announced fifth studio record Always Ascending and shared the groove-packed first taste and title track.

The group - who have a newly revamped lineup since the departure of founding guitarist Nick McCarthy - teased the new song earlier this week.

Always Ascending was recorded in RAK in London and Motorbass in Paris with French producer Philippe Zdae (Phoenix, Beastie Boys). The LP is the first taste of a reinvigorated sound which is described by frontman Alex Kapranos as "simultaneously futuristic and naturalistic", and the quintet will debut material from it at a show in Paris tonight (25 October), which'll be livestreamed on the Franz Ferdinand Facebook page from 8:30pm.

Franz Ferdinand's most recent album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action was released in 2013. The band teamed up with glam veterans Sparks for 2015's FFS project. Last autumn Franz Ferdinand released their first material following McCarthy's departure - check it out.

The Glasgow-based indie veterans have also announced a new European tour, with a UK leg which includes shows in Glasgow and London in February 2018. Tickets for European dates will be on sale from 3 November. Find out more.

Tracklist:

1. Always Ascending
2. Lazy Boy
3. Paper Cages
4. Finally
5. The Academy Award
6. Lois Lane
7. Huck And Jim
8. Glimpse Of Love
9. Feel The Love Go
10. Slow Don’t Kill Me Slow

Always Ascending is out 9 February via Domino.