Franz Ferdinand, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review

The Glaswegian rockers played the O2 Academy last night as part of a tour marking both the release of their latest album Always Ascending and the group's new line-up. And though new members Julian Corrie and Dino Bardot have only been with the band since 2016 and 2017 respectively, the band was spot-on throughout, performing a faultless and tight set from the get-go.

Music fans were also treated to an extra-special support in the form of The Strokes lead guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. The world-renowned LA icon - and son of singer, songwriter and record producer Albert Hammond - played a lively set alongside a backing band, whose sound was polished and professional for the duration of their support slot.

Albert, aged 37, boasted wonderful wide-ranging vocals, with a great ability to reach a surprisingly high range.

The set, though reminiscent of The Strokes, was however lacking in variety; though Albert and his band are clearly talented and have the potential to create something great.

An enjoyable start to the evening nonetheless.

In all honesty, nothing could have compared to the main attraction - and Franz Ferdinand not only played a phenomenal show, but also gave fans everything they could have hoped for, with a set jam-packed full of hits, with some of the group's excellent new material dotted throughout.

Frontman Alex Kapranos both looked and sounded incredible. Dressed in a black suit with bleach-blonde hair, the 45-year-old star's vocals were deep, rich and velvety on each and every number, as he captivated the crowd with a commanding, yet endearing and lively stage presence.

Though I've never actually thought it previously, Alex's demeanour, movements - even vocals, at times - were very reminiscent of the late, great superstar David Bowie. When he wasn't busy playing the rock 'n' roll star, with high jumps and mid-air splits, that is.

After kicking off the set with new number Lazy Boy, the band treated fans to an array of favourites, from Do You Want To, to No You Girls, Walk Away and The Dark Of The Matinee - all of which were played alongside a spectacular lights show.

"Good evening everyone. It's great to be here," beamed Alex, whose infectious smile rarely faded throughout the 90-minute set.

"How are you feeling? Let me hear you."

Love Illumination, from 2013, and Lois Lane from the new album also featured, before the crowd were treated to hits Jacqueline and Ulysses.

Take Me Out came next - and the electric excitement from the crowd could be felt as the instantly recognisable opening riff was played. As Alex, bassist Bob Hardy, Dino and Julian stood at the front of the stage in a row, energy swirled around the room as they bounded around, giving their all to the loving fans below.

For the entirety of the show, each of the members truly shone; with hefty, rolling beats from drummer Paul Thomson on numbers such as Ulysses; thrilling, gritty guitar riffs from Dino and Alex; excellent, intricate playing from keyboardist Julian; and growling bass from Bob on hits such as No You Girls.

The group left the stage for no more than a few moments before returning for a tremendous encore, which saw the five-piece play new songs Always Ascending and Huck and Jim, as well as older hits This Fire and Darts Of Pleasure.

Though some may have been hesitant about the band's move toward dance, the new material when played on stage was every-bit the Scottish band we've come to love - and absolutely impeccable.

In a chat with myself for the Express & Star ahead of the gig, Alex said the group wanted to create dance music which was impressive when played live and made people want to move. They have achieved this goal without a doubt - and are every bit the first-rate, outstanding, captivating band they ever were; with a fresh new feel and a few shiny, new faces.

A phenomenal show, filled to the brim with excellence, talent and energy - and one I cannot wait to see again.