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An article from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
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Two years ago I finally got to see Arab Strap perform (review with photos by Craig Chisholm: https://5d-blog.com/arab-strap-at-lemon-tree-aberdeen/ ) and it looks to be happening again soon as the chaps are about to start touring Ireland and Scotland in September, once they get back from mainland Europe. They will be at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen again on Tuesday 17th September and I am primed and ready!
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Arab Strap brought out a new album in May called, the snappy, I’m Totally Fine With It ? Don’t Give A Fuck Anymore ?. Yes, the emojis are really part of the official title, apparently it came from a text the band’s drummer sent Aiden Moffat, much to his amusement. Arab Strap have never been constrained by social norms, I think it is safe to say. Luckily they are on Mogwai’s Rock Action Records who are happy to oblige with the wackiness!
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The first single from it was Bliss, which is about online hate. If you know Arab Strap you know you need to pay attention to the lyrics as well as the unconventional melodies. Aidan Moffat has been quoted as explaining the song as: “It’s about women being terrorised online; it’s about cowardice and bigotry. It’s about how we expose ourselves on social platforms while hiding alone at home. But you can dance to it too!”
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Their second single from the album was Strawberry Moon which reminds me briefly of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, but is far removed from the 80s cheese…I mean classic!
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The album shows a new creative period for Arab Strap and its hard not to be excited for the tour, especially as Aiden has said: “I expect this year we’ll just be playing banger after banger – I think we’ve earned the right to make some noise now.” I look forward to hearing any noise this band cares to make, and luckily its not too late to get tickets for the tour if you fancy trying a unique experience too.
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Further information: https://www.arabstrap.scot
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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