Concert Overview

Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand returned to the Bay Area after a three-year hiatus, captivating fans at the Warfield with an electrifying 20-song setlist. The concert featured an impressive blend of their latest album, The Human Fear, and cherished classics, resulting in a vibrant atmosphere from opening song “The Doctor” to the crowd-pleasing closer “This Fire.”

Frontman’s Performance

Despite battling a sore throat, frontman Alex Kapranos maintained his signature charisma, effortlessly delivering hits like “Night or Day,” “Build It Up,” and “Everydaydreamer.” His fashionable attire complemented his performance, further endearing him to the audience.

During the performance of the new album’s opening track, “Audacious,” he humorously remarked, “Sometimes you just need a good riff,” showcasing the song’s catchy hook inspired by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Stage Presence and Setup

Franz Ferdinand has always focused on their musical energy rather than elaborate stage decorations, and this concert was no different. The band performed on a minimalist stage, with simple risers for the drummer, Audrey Tait, and other band members, allowing the music to take center stage.

Setlist Highlights

The band seamlessly transitioned between popular early tracks like “The Dark of the Matinée” and “Do You Want To,” with Kapranos engaging the crowd by playfully demanding, “Give it to me harder!”

While the set heavily featured their debut and latest works, mid-era tracks like “Right Action” and “Love Illumination” reminded the audience of the band’s consistent knack for crafting impressive guitar riffs.

A unique moment occurred during “Black Eyelashes” when Kapranos played a bouzouki, infusing the performance with traditional Greek musical elements, which transformed the song into a captivating folk experience.

Encore and Closing

The momentum escalated as the set included “Michael,” “Take Me Out,” and the fan-favorite “Outsiders,” with Kapranos giving attendees an up-close experience by kneeling among them. The evening culminated in a four-song encore, featuring “40′,” new tracks “Bar Lonely” and “The Birds,” and an extended rendition of “This Fire,” a staple of their live performances for over two decades.

Opening Act: Telescreens

New York-based band Telescreens served as the opening act, delivering an energetic 30-minute set that echoed the vibrant spirit of early 2000s rock. Frontman Jackson Hamm captivated the audience with a blend of impassioned vocals and dynamic stage presence.

Telescreens showcased various songs, with Hamm encouraging the crowd to “let yourself have a little fun” before launching into their upbeat tune “Lost.” The band’s sound combined blues rock influences, reminiscent of Nirvana, adding a gritty edge to their performance.

Notably, Hamm mentioned that they do not maintain a setlist, opting instead for spontaneous song selection, which kept the performance authentic and lively.