by Gordon Downs

Malcolm Middleton and Adrian Moffat have been recording and performing under the moniker of Arab Strap for about ten years. Creating some of the most unique and heartfelt indie-rock to have emerged from the Scotland music scene, their latest album, “The Last Romance” is their first studio recording since 2003’s “Monday At The Hug Pint”. Released last month on Transdreamer Records, “The Last Romance” is a straight ahead rock format with subtle undertones of angst that provides the perfect soundtrack for a disgruntled generation of jagged youth.

Middleton and Moffat, not long after they left on a tour of Europe, answer a few inquiries.

How does this album standout from the rest of Arab Strap’s discography?
It’s quicker, more immediate and much more fun than the previous ones. In a serious kind of way. It is a fabulous album and people are telling me it’s the best.

What are some of the essential non musical items that are a must when on tour?
I just bought my first ipod, the new video one, and am completely in love with it. I’ve transferred the complete “Star Wars: Clone Wars” series onto it as well as, “Oldboy” and a Bruce Springsteen documentary. That plus plenty of comics and a few books. I’m reading American Psycho again and it’s making me aggressive.
 
Arab Strap has been on quite a few tours, what’s the strangest thing you can recall? 
I’m usually too drunk to remember anything. I recall scrambling over the rooftops of the Columbia Hotel in London, picking up a bleeding hooligan whilst on acid, but it’s all very vague.
 
What can fans of Arab Strap expect in 2006?
Hopefully a lot of shows. We have a new band again and we’re a lot louder and faster than we ever were. Plus, we will continue to deliver the best we can, both live and on CD. I think we have a new type of energy and hope we can give it to others in the world.

Does Arab Strap have a message for the children?
Don’t trust Scotsmen with beards.

aabstrap.co.uk

2006 “The Last Romace” (Transdreamer)
2005 “The Cunted Circus [live]” (Arab Strap)
2003 “Monday At The Hug And Pint” (Chemikal Underground)
2001 “The Red Thread” (Matador)
2000 “Mad For Sadness [live]” (Jetset)
2000 “Elephant Shoe” (Jetset)
1998 “Philophobia” (Matador)
1997 “The Week Never Starts Round Here” (Chemikal Underground)