Glasgow's musical cynics, Arab Strap, were formed originally in 1995, by singer Aiden Moffat and guitarist Malcolm Middleton. After an excellent response to their debut single, 'The First Big Weekend', on Radio One's Evening Session, Arab Strap were on their way to success and even more importantly, credibility.
The music was somewhat original, and the lyrics were interesting as observations of the band's present environment. So big was the impression on Radio One, the band's debut single was touted as the best record of the decade, by presenter Steve Lamacq. The accolades continued with the first album, 'The Week Never Starts Round Here', this time the music press jumped on the band's bandwagon.
After the 1997 release of the band's second single, 'The Clearing', and the continued support of Radio One's specialist sessions, Arab Strap were becoming international. 'The Clearing' also featured two mixes, by The Hungry Lions, and Glasgow DJ's Jonathan Hilditch and Ian Hanlon.
'The Girls of Summer E.P.' was the band's first chart success, entering the UK charts at number 74. Then the band released their last work on the Chemikal Underground label, before signing to Go-Beat, the single, 'Here We Go'-'Trippy', which reached number 47 in the hit parade. Of course, chart placement is not necessarily an indicator of talent. 'Philophobia', the next full length album, met with critical acclaim from both the press and in particular their gaurdian angels, Radio One. 'Philophobia', went into the UK charts at number 37, widening Arab Strap's already popular profile.
With a tireless pan-UK tour Arab Strap, promoted the new album, and in the process showed true live prowess. Some of Arab Strap's more recent recordings, include the single,'Cherubs', from the album, 'Elephant Shoes' which was released in the late summer of 1999.
Interesting Fact: Founding Members, Moffat and Middleton, first met after being arrested together!
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