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The alcohol, violence, sex, drugs and despair to be found in “The Last Romance” together with the harsh Scottish accent of the vocals allows one to draw parallels with the gritty world of an Irvine Welsh novel. Perhaps this edgy, sinister and quite bluntly realistic view of life will prevent “The Last Romance” from climbing to the top of the CD:UK album charts, but this is a gem of an album that I am more than content to keep for myself. It is a special talent that can talk of paedophiles, bird flu, heart disease and perverts in a song while simultaneously having the listener tapping along lost in the melodic, rhythmic ambience of the music however this is exactly what is achieved in certain songs. In Aidan Moffat’s voice you can really hear the urgency and desire to express something significant and in the same way the likes of Morrissey or Jarvis Cocker are able to let you in to their world through simple, effective lyrics you find yourself wrapped up with and relating to the sick, dirty but truthful world of Arab Strap. Between the “ugly tattooed swingers” and “mucky hobbies” of the song “speed-date” we are treated to rich melodies and emotive choruses that epitomise the excitement and drive that is evident throughout the record. The album however direct and dark in lyrical content manages somehow to avoid being at all depressing, but instead uncover the rough edged realities of modern life, while giving a sense of unadulterated honesty and a tingle of excitement. Even without overproduction, overbearing poetic lyrics and over the top egos that many current bands have, an album has been made that is relevant, genuine and exciting.
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books  books and comics archive Author interviews and reviews from 2002 to 2008. film  film archive The best of cinema in the UK from 2002 to 2008. |
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