Arab Strap

Arab Strap

Arab Strap are a Scottish indie rock band from Falkirk, United Kingdom. The group forms around Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton, who meet in Falkirk and begin collaborating in 1995. Their music is generally described as indie rock, indietronica and slowcore, with a style that also sits within the wider indie and post-rock sphere.

Formation and line-up

The core duo consists of vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Middleton. The band also includes violinist Jenny Reeve and cellist Stacey Sievewright. Moffat and Middleton first connect through a shared interest in Drag City artists including Smog and Will Oldham, which helps shape their early collaboration.

Releases and record labels

For most of their albums, Arab Strap record for Chemikal Underground, an independent label. At the height of their critical profile, after Philophobia, they briefly sign to Go!Beat Records, a former independent label later owned by Universal.

Style and lyrics

The band is known for frank, direct lyrics delivered in a Scottish brogue. This plainspoken approach is one of their defining characteristics and helps distinguish their songs within Scottish alternative rock.

Breakup and reunion

Moffat and Middleton confirm the end of Arab Strap in September 2006. They mark ten years of the band with a tour across the UK and Europe, followed by a short secret tour in Japan as their final run. The group later reunites in 2016 and remains active.