‘Strawberry Moon’ is the latest from undeniably Scottish duo Arab Strap who blend influences taken from hip hop, electronic, and rock music. They bring us an eclectic and chaotic soundscape on the latest single taken from their forthcoming album.
The track was premiered on the BBC 6 Music drivetime show and would’ve sent many a driver into a slight panic then ecstatic mood with ‘Strawberry Moon’ blasting through the speakers. It sounds like nothing else I have heard before, shimmering samples, a heavy bass-driven rhythm and spoken vocals introduce us to each other. With every listen the single lays bare another intriguing layer of its soundscape, and make me hone into its lyrics a bit more every time.
About ‘Strawberry Moon’
“Lyrically, it’s maybe the most personal song on the album,” says Aidan Moffat, “About a period when I wasn’t doing very well, both mentally and physically. I was walking with a cane and in pain most of the time, and drowning my sorrows too, trapped at home and watching the phases of the moon through a window. The moon always seems to pop up in my lyrics, and the song’s a sort of secular hymn in praise of her constant change. She’s always a comfort, always hopeful, and always makes me smile.”
The new album is due for release on the 10th of May on Rock Action Records and is available to pre-order and pre-save now in various formats, including digital, CD, classic black vinyl and, exclusive to independent record stores, “emoji” yellow coloured vinyl.
Almost 28 years after their debut, Arab Strap are still pushing boundaries and creating something potentially more essential then any indie pop record. Their latest is a fierce testament to their laser focus on wider horizons. Written and performed exclusively by Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat, and finessed with long-time collaborator Paul Savage, the album furthers the band’s transformation from swooning, slow-core romantics to raging, alt-pop chroniclers.
Arab Strap will be hitting the country with their sounds and fantastic live show, find upcoming live dates below.
20-05 The Brickyard, Carlisle
21-05 The Fire Station, Sunderland
22-05 The Castle & Falcon, Birmingham
23-05 Lantern, Bristol
24-05 Koko, London
25-05 Gorilla, Manchester
26-05 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
11-09 Empire, Belfast
12-09 Dolans, Limerick
13-09 Roisin Dubh, Galway
14-09 Whelan’s, Dublin
16-09 The Byre Theatre, St. Andrews
17-09 Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
18-09 La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
19-09 The Venue, Dumfries
20-09 MAC Arts, Galashiels
21-09 Barrowlands Ballroom, Glasgows