FRANZ FERDINAND - FERDINAND TO RUSH OUT SECOND ALBUM

Scottish rockers FRANZ FERDINAND are planning to fast-track the release of their second album, to cash in on their success at the BRIT and NME music awards.

The TAKE ME OUT hitmakers scooped the Best British Rock Act and Best British Group gongs at the Brits and Best Album and Best Track honours at last week's (17FEB05) NME awards in London - marking the end of an ultra successful year for the band.

Now they don't want to wait to release a second LP and are hidden away in a secret Scottish location finishing tracks.

Drummer PAUL THOMSON says, "We've got most of it written already and we're hoping to put it out in August."