franz ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand are proof that swagger is not limited to hip-hop. Over the course of Tonight: Franz Ferdinand's 13 songs, lead singer Alex Kapranos struts, preens, yelps and croons, a Digital Age version of 50s braggadocio.

Every track is insidiously infectious, passing by in heartbeats. "Send Him Away" is a prime example, speeding through two verses and two choruses in the first 90 seconds before taking off on the back of manic drums and a seductive Kapranos.

A few songs, such as first single "Ulysses" and fiery howitzer "No You Girls," have a tendency to drop into drugged-up drones that provide a stark and effective counterpoint to the furious choruses. "No You Girls" is a punch to the face, taking shots at both girls and boys in typical gender-bending Franz fashion.

Continuing the trend started on 2004's "Michael," an ode to male-on-male dancefloor euphoria, Tonight finds Kapranos and company playing on gender and sexual orientation with zestful irreverence. The four Scots strike the pose of black-tie Lotharios, and the songs rarely come across as anything less than come-ons.

Sex aside, the musical strategies employed on Tonight have evolved from the two previous Franz records. This time around, the attack seems to be focused around the heavy bass, which careens around the bottom of the songs like ice cubes on hardwood. It lends credence to the idea of Tonight as the band's dance record, as does the liberal use of electronics and the uptempo rhythms. "Lucid Dreams" even involves a four-minute synthesizer explosion, sounding more like Crystal Castles than anything generally associated with rock 'n' roll.

Although branching out is beneficial, Franz Ferdinand fortunately stays rooted. Just try not to fall in love. With boys like this, you'll always end up hurt.