Franz Ferdinand’s MySpace page modestly announces them as “four guys who met in Glasgow and started a band.” The four guys have a new album due in January, titled Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, and are undertaking a brief North American tour to preview the record.

“Ulysses” and an alternate version of “Lucid Dreams” have already provided a taster for the album, which frontman Alex Kapranos describes as ”more of a dance record than a rock record.” The live shows should be celebratory affairs, with the band members looking to hit the same kind of groove that made their first album so popular.

Full tour dates, including some special shows arranged by local radio stations, are listed below.

12.03 Montreal, QC: La Tulipe
12.04 Toronto, ON: Lee's Palace
12.06 Boston, MA: Orpheum Theatre (WFNX show)
12.08 Portland, OR: Crystal Ballroom (KNRK show)
12.09 Vancouver, BC: Commodore Ballroom
12.11 Oakland, CA: Oracle Arena (Live 105 show)
12.12 Las Vegas, NV: The Joint (KVGS show)
12.14 Los Angeles, CA: Gibson Ampitheatre (KROQ show)
12.15 San Diego, CA: Canes Bar & Grill