Ferdinand the greater

  • 2005-04-20
  • By Lydia Ernstsons
RIGA - Franz Ferdinand. While many of us still think of the Austrian archduke and the beginning of World War I upon hearing that name, teens across Europe most surely have a different association 's a much hipper one at that. Within just one year, the British pop group Franz Ferdinand has out-Googled one of the 20th century's most historic figures, bumping the archduke down to the bottom of the search engine's page.

Founded in 2001, Franz Ferdinand's four skinny lads met at the Glasgow College of Art. A mix of artsy guitar pop with remnants of British punk, the alternative rock band's debut album, also called "Franz Ferdinand," contains tracks hauntingly reminiscent of Blur, Radiohead and Suede.

Since the release of their album in 2004 the band has attained phenomenal success. Nominated for five Brit Awards this year, they scooped up Best British Group and Best British Rock Act. Oasis was the last group to be nominated for as many titles in one year. They also have an ever-growing American following. After their European tour, which includes two stops in the Baltics, the group will get back to work on their second album.

The band describes "Franz Ferdinand" with the term "eponymous," as in relating to an eponym. For those of you who do not know (I myself had to look it up), an eponym is something whose name derives from a particular source, for example a city, country or era.

In a recent interview, lead singer Alex Kapranos explained: "we liked the idea that when he got shot the whole world changed. Like the Beatles, The Stones or Stone Roses, all bands want to change the world."

Hmmm, maybe we should think that one through a bit, boys. But regardless of their somewhat shallow (may we dare say adolescent) sense of the eponym's significance, Franz Ferdinand has earned itself a new name.

Unlike the sorry story of Franz Ferdinand senior, heir to the throne who was shot together with his pregnant wife on June 28, 1914, the band's future seems exceptionally bright. To return to the band's eponymous significance, while the Duke's assassination sparked WW I, these four lads have sparked a frenzy of fans with their European Tour.

Among other destinations, the group will hit St. Petersburg and Moscow on May 19 and 20 and Tallinn on May 24. Franz Ferdinand will play at Kipsala Hall in Riga on May 25.

With a trail of rave reviews behind them, the show is sure to make Latvian rock-concert history. But whether or not you do choose to attend, please spare a thought for the poor archduke, who may very well be turning in his grave at the prospect of being forgotten to an up-and-coming rock band. Let's just hope the Britpop group doesn't fall victim to their namesake's fate.