Franz Ferdinand - Blood

Franz Ferdinand’s third album Tonight was a muted success, despite the pre-release talk of afrobeat rhythms and experimental electronica largely turning out to be red herrings. If you forked out for a double-disc copy then you’ve already heard these dub versions, which at the time helped to offset the disappointment felt by those expecting something more groundbreaking from the Glasgow art-poppers. Why it’s now receiving a standalone release is unclear: anyone intrigued by the premise of dub Ferdinand has had their curiosity satisfied already, though that’s not intended as a slight on its quality. Mixed by Tonight’s producer, Dan Carey, Blood is frequently superior to its mother-record, and it’s tempting to consider how reactions may have differed had this been released as their long-awaited comeback rather than its more straightforward indie-rock progenitor. Regardless, it’s a refreshing alternative that makes up for Franz-by-numbers like No You Girls with its numerous digressions into the realms of the less obvious.