Franz Ferdninand
You Could Have It So Much Better
Domino

Unfortunately, the album title is spot on with Franz Ferdinand's follow up to their ridiculously popular debut. All the elements that made their first album a hit are there, but it has the feeling of a band trapped by their own definitions.

There's the open hi hat splash and jagged guitar lines, the desperate, bitter lyrics delivered with tongue in cheek and the sound of an 80s nightclub filtered through time to resemble something relevant. All of which was relevant two years ago when their first album dropped, now, it's been done by so many other bands it all sounds a little blasé.

In the moments when they attempt something different, like the Beatlesque folk of 'Eleanor Put You Boots Back On' it acts as a break from the monotony, but the songs aren't anything special. The rest of the album sounds like Franz Ferdinand are trying to re write their previous glories with their hands tied behind their back. With time the songs could grow on you, but it's a rather lack lustre sophomore from the new Scottish gentry.