Franz Ferdinand at The Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh

January 12, 2025 "Receding Hairline, Rocking Till I Flatline"

My first visit to The Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh left a great impression. Despite its modest 800-capacity size, the venue felt surprisingly spacious, with an upper section offering a clear view of the stage. The sound quality was excellent, and the acoustics were well-suited to Franz Ferdinand’s punchy, dynamic performance.

The crowd was a little subdued in the lead-up, but that changed the moment Alex Kapranos and the band walked out. From the first note, the energy in the room skyrocketed, and the audience was completely hooked.

Franz Ferdinand’s performance was brilliant from start to finish. Kapranos has undeniable stage presence, commanding the room with ease and clear enjoyment. The setlist was a perfectly curated mix of new tracks from their sixth album, The Human Fear, and timeless classics.

Standout new tracks included Audacious, Hooked, The Birds, Build It Up, and Night and Day, each showcasing the band’s ability to evolve without losing their trademark energy. The classics, however, truly lit up the night. Take Me Out—played early in the set—sparked an unforgettable singalong and ramped up the atmosphere to fever pitch. Other highlights included This Fire, Do You Want To, Walk Away, and Matinee, each greeted with an enthusiastic response.

The sound on the night was flawless, with a perfect balance between instruments and vocals. Every element was clear, and Kapranos’s voice sounded just as sharp and distinct as on the records.

Franz Ferdinand proved yet again why they’ve endured as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts. With The Human Fear already showing promise through these live renditions, this gig was a celebration of both where they’ve been and where they’re going.