Franz Ferdinand

There was no shortage of new post-punk inspired outfits emerging in the early 2000's. However, Scottish band Franz Ferdinand had a slightly different take on things, bearing the marked influence of countrymen Josef K and Orange Juice as well as usual suspects like the Fall and Gang of Four. They also managed to turn those angular guitars and dance-rock rhythms into something undeniably catchy and commercial, becoming one of the most popular new groups in the world with their self-titled debut album.