On 10 January 2025, Scottish rock outfit Franz Ferdinand released their sixth studio album The Human Fear. Charting in third place, the album received critical praise for its nostalgic feeling and fresh sound. Tracks like ‘Audacious’, ‘Hooked’, and ‘Build It Up’ were among fan favorites, resulting in a collaborative live single being released by the band on Tuesday (24 January).
Featuring Master Peace performing alongside the band at Glasgow Barrowlands, the B-side of the single featured a new version of the albums fourth track, ‘Hooked’. However, the standout collaboration of the release by far is the new rendition of ‘Build It Up’ featuring The Smiths legend Johnny Marr on guitar.
Sprinkling in his trademark jangle-pop playing style, Johnny adds his own stylistic twang to The Human Fear tune, giving it a new lease of life as he effortlessly plucks at the strings of his beloved Fender Jaguar.
Frontman Alex Kapronos delivers powerful vocals, commanding the listener to “give some, take some / fix it up and then break some” in his unique and instantly recognisable vocal style. Backed by Audrey Tait’s timeless drumming to contribute her own part to the band’s unique sound, this record undeniably does a fantastic job of showing off the band’s unique sound, an ageless combination of post-punk and alternative rock elements. The band stated on Instagram: “Johnny is an inspiration. To hear his distinctive playing on our song is glorious. He’s elevated it in that way only he can.”
The sound of ‘Build It Up’ undeniably carries the essence of a waltzing into a saloon, with thudding percussion and Marr’s jangley guitarwork coming together to sound like the band are soundtracking a sheriff as he saunters past.
The true meaning of the track however, is much deeper, with Kapronos expressing the importance of communication and cooperation in maintaining healthy, strong relationships. The song does a perfect job of laying out the foundations for what makes a stable bond between people and their partners, conveying the message that even if they are facing what looks like an impossible challenge it can be overcome if the principles outlined in the lyrics are followed. In today’s world the importance of this message can never be stressed enough.
‘Build It Up’ is not only a brilliant track, improved only by the contributions of indie mastermind Johnny Marr, but also carries an important message that “you gotta open up, you gotta care” for those around you.
With jangling guitars, an electrifying riff, timeless lyrics, and an anthemic chorus, Marr has managed to improve an already-brilliant tune, as he always does. The Human Fear already stood its own as a fantastic addition to Franz Ferdinand’s catalogue, and has now been elevated even further as a staple for fans of both artists.
Words by George Connell
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