Kevin Bronson on April 18th, 2009

1

[Guest contributor Ali MacLean connects then and now:]

Alex Kapranos leans over the lip of the stage and surveys the crowd, crooning “I’ve got a question for you. Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Five years ago the industry bees at South by Southwest were abuzz about a new British indie rock band called Franz Ferdinand. In fact, there was almost a riot outside the Maggie Mae’s bar as people fought to get in to their showcase. I was late, of course, and though I gave good shove, I didn’t make it.”  “Was it worth it?” I asked a friend, who had skipped several high-profile shows to queue up for the lads.

Yes.

Five years later the world is very different, but the answer is the same. Alex and the boys took the Coachella main stage (their second appearance there in three years) in blinding sunshine to a circusy theme (not your cheap Britney variety but a more vaudevillian piece) and launched into well-known indie themes like “Do You Wanna” and “Michael.” With dollops of zinger patter, they mixed in newer tunes like “Turn It On” and “Walk Away.”

The newer songs were a bit less Wire jangly and had a touch more of sophomore yearning, but every bit as entertaining. Kapranos is a charming front man, working the crowd with the ease of the elders who would take the stage after him.

By the time they launched into their hit, “Take Me Out,” the best stomp since T. Rex days, an audience of all ages was stomping along in unison. It was good bouncy fun. Yet it still feels odd to see the pale Brits amidst palm trees and searing sun. The twinges of post-punk floating through the air seems much more appropriate for a dark smoky club with the lads wearing sharp sharkskin suits. A gin-fueled, indie rock circus, if you will.

Perhaps this is where they will be again, in another five years.