After the 2013 release of “Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action” Scotland-based indie-rock band Franz Ferdinand re-entered the music scene with its new album, “Always Ascending.”

Following the departure of founding member Nick McCarthy in July of 2016, the band switched its sound from guitar-driven songs to synth-heavy anthems.

When the lead single “Always Ascending” was released in October of 2017, fans were shocked to discover the change of the bands’ new tunes. Alex Kapranos’ voice feels drowned out by the heavy beats. Just like the title states, the slow somber beginning ascends into a loud and catchy beat which is present in most of the album. A pitch throughout the song gives off the auditory illusion that the background music will elevate into a more energetic beat. However, the beat never comes and leaves listeners wanting more from the single.

The second single from the album features heavy drum beats that correlate perfectly with the background music. Featuring a jazzy saxophone, “Feel The Love Go” has the right amount of energy for dancing and having fun. The lyrics describe lead singer Kapranos’ love life as he keeps falling less and less in love, but it doesn’t feel right for him.

Although the single “Lazy Boy” is highly energetic, the repetitive nature can get annoying at times. It is one of the few tunes with a heavy guitar riff and the guitar sometimes mimics the sound from the band’s 2004 hit song “Take Me Out.”

The album wasn’t what audiences expected with the band doing the complete opposite of what their sound used to be. The singles released have the ability to be played more frequently and attract newer fans, but for older listeners, the album is highly disappointing. Albums including the band’s self-named debut and “Tonight: Franz Ferdinand” have been acclaimed for their heavy instrumental and unique rock sound, which is really lacking in this new record. The way the album is executed makes it catchy and energetic, but the new direction the band is taking has definitely caught listeners by surprise.