Franz Ferdinand complete 'dancey' third album

Franz Ferdinand have completed work on their third album, set for release in early 2009.

The band told BBC News that the album, which will be their first since 2005's 'You Could Have It So Much Better', is dance-influenced but slightly slower than their previous album.

"The last record was fast, furious, frantic, 150 beats per minute," said frontman Alex Kapranos. "It was like a teenager having sex. This one's a bit more assured and a bit friendlier for the dancefloor. It's about 104/105bpm.

"It does sound different, and there are different instruments on the record, different tempos, a different attitude to making it.

"But it's always going to sound like a Franz Ferdinand record when it's the four of us making it. It's very much a dance record again this time."

The band do not have a title or firm release date for the album yet.