Franz Ferdinand are a rock band that formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 2002. Named after Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the band comprises Alex Kapranos (lead vocals and guitar), Bob Hardy (bass guitar), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keyboards and backing vocals), and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion and backing vocals).

They first experienced chart success with their second single “Take Me Out” reaching number 3 in the UK charts. This was followed by their debut album Franz Ferdinand which climbed to number 3 in the UK album charts. The band have won various awards including the 2004 Mercury Music Prize, two Brit Awards in 2005 and NME named them as their album of the year.

The second single from their album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, is 'No You Girls'. It’s in true Ferdinand style opening with scratchy guitar, percussion and the supreme vocals of Kapranos. The beat is strong throughout making this a catchy little number.

This single comes with three mixes; the 'Radio Mix', the 'Album Version' and the 'Vince Clark Remix'.

The 'Radio Mix' and 'Album Version' aren’t too different - the only noticeable difference (and this is from watching the clock counter) is that the album version is 20 seconds longer but other than that you really can’t tell.

The 'Vince Clark Remix' is completely different and I like the style of this mix. It starts off with heavy synth. and a deep and dark bass. I thought it was going to be a very dark mix which would ruin everything it’s about. However, as it came to the chorus, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it went together. The synth lightens up and becomes mellow, pair this with the harsh beat of the drums, not unlike the noise on an industrial metal staircase, and you have a winner. It’s fast, light, dark, and chilled in places.

Franz Ferdinand have done it again, another great single. Let’s hope they can keep it up.

8

Helena Rea