DMC World Magazine

ARAB STRAP
TEN YEARS OF TEARS
CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND

For the last 10 years Falkirk’s Aiden Moffat & Malcolm Middleton aka Arab Strap, have sound tracked and written about the morning after feelings of big nights out and complicated relationships, sort of Irvine Welsh set to music. Their unique style landed them many fans from right across the board, as their seething and sometimes suicidal stories grabbed the imagination. So it comes as a bit of a blow that the lads have decided to call it a day, but in true Arab Strap style. the boys are going out with an unconventional but exceptional Best Of bang. ‘Ten Years Of Tears’ is 18 cuts of B-sides, demos, remixes, Peel Sessions, live tracks and new stuff. Highlights include the hilarious ‘Packs Of Three’, the original 1995 demo of ‘Islands’ which cuts a rug like The Chemical Brothers having a shimmy with The Flaming Lips, and ‘The First Big Weekend’ which is an adventure that starts at The Arches, Glasgow, then goes into afters around various unsavoury characters flats. You’ve all been there at some point, you’ve all done it. Stick this on and let the memories come flooding back, whether it be tears of laughter, tears of joy, or just plain old crying your eyes out, you can’t deny the fact that Arab Strap have left a lasting impression.

5 Out Of 5

Reviewed By: DEAN THATCHER