When one hears the band name FranzFerdinand, the first thing that may

pop into his or her mind is Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand, one of the main causes of World War I. After hearing Franz Ferdinand’s CD, however, thoughts turn from war in Europe to a dance party in an abundant railroad house where the band Franz Ferdinand played their first shows.

To say their music is pop and that their style is overused just like almost every new and upcoming band would be an easy stereotype. However, my first impression of the band was just that. I first heard the band when I was watching VH1 and their song “Take Me Out” was being played on almost every VH1 show possible. After a while, I took a liking to the song’s upbeat, soothing guitar riffs and the random lyrics that are throughout the song. If I had to classify the band, I would say that they are dance, party and rave music. If that doesn’t paint a musical picture in your mind, maybe this will help. They sound like the Strokes mixed with The Rolling Stones and some slight Beatles. Upon asking some fellow students what they thought of the band, I was given mixed reviews.

“ They have a more dancy, indie rock sound. They appeal to the mainstream and to the underground scene as well,” junior Andy Hendricks said.

When they first started the band, none of the members of the band played their own instruments. The singer had played guitar in an earlier band, and the drummer had never played drums before. But that seems to be the new trend- band members stepping outside their musical box and playing instruments that they have never played before.

“They are talented, but it’s unfortunate that they have become so mainstream,” sophomore Ciaran O’Keefe said.

Whatever their reasons for doing so, I’m glad they decided to play their own intruments. I do not think that they could have achieved their current musical sound and style if it was not for them ambitiously taking on new roles, and subsequently a new sound. Their original sound makes them unique and liked.

“I’ve only heard one song, but I like it because the transition from the beginning of the song to the chorus is something you don’t hear very often,” senior Britney Jackson said.