by Becky Blumenthal.

Franz Ferdinand finally left the house in the Scottish countryside where they have been recording...for Russia!

At two sold-out shows, on May 19 in St. Petersburg, and on May 20 in Moscow, Scottish indie-rockers, Franz Ferdinand previewed 6 songs from their next release. In addition to being their first time in Russian territory, it was the first time fans got a taste of what the boys have been working on. They played "What You Meant," "Radio," "You Could Have It," "I'm Your Villain," "Evil and a Heathen" and "Robert Anderson Is Christ."

After the Russia shows, the band packed up and headed to New York City to work with producer Rich Costey to master their upcoming release. They are unsure of a title, but the record is tentatively due in September. Currently, their only confirmed U.S. gig for 2005 is the Austin City Limits festival, which takes place September 23-25 in Austin, Texas.

You can check out frontman Alex Kapranos'studio diary on the band's website.