Raise your hand if you’re an Arab Strap fan! Actually, raise your hand if you’ve even
heard of Arab Strap! The Strap, named after a slightly racist term for a type of cock ring, split up in ’06, after recording their sixth album of experimental indie rock and roll. They weren’t for everyone, to be sure, but I really dug ’em. Even though the band broke up,
Malcolm Middleton (it’s better half) never slowed down, releasing two solo albums and a live collection, and now he’s produced his fifth and possibly last album, “Waxing Gibbous.” He says he’s done all he can as a solo artist, and is ready to move on to something else, like starting a new band.
The album is marked by Middleton’s characteristicly Scottish voice, wonderful lyrics, and skillful interplay between his vocals and guitar/keyboards. But it feels somewhat sad–filled with longing and sorrow. Like a last album. Even on the quick, catchy, and charming single, “Red Travellin’ Socks,” there is a sense of finality. It’s as if he’s created an album that consists entirely of tracks from the last song on side B. A very interesting result, for sure, and a moving experience, this record
An Arab Strap
gets my highest recommendation.
Red Travellin’ Socks (YSI)
Zero (YSI)
BONUS OLDER STUFF!
My Delirium (Ladyhawke cover)
Call the Shots (Girls Aloud cover)
Issues (The Saturdays cover)
We’re All Going to Die (acoustic demo)-Arab Strap
