The Arab Strap: The Last Romance

Every time I hear a Scottish accent I go back to the first time I saw the movie Trainspotting . I remember the scene where Spud shat the bed and in a misguided attempt to escape his lady friend’s home with minimal embarrassment ends up flinging his leavings all over the breakfast table of his hosts. The moment is a comical one; but there are tragic undertones and its only funny because it isn't happening to me.

The Last Romance has that same feel to me. Front man Aidan Moffet's vocals compare to Craig Finn or Mike Doughty but the way the vocals interact with the backing music is dramatically different. The music is heavy and the slow, dense and deep. The Arab Strap stay true to their roots throughout- never quite matching earlier highlights like "The First Big Weekend" but coming away with many solid songs. "Speed Date" is a definite highlight. I can envision the song being played on a WB teen drama as the sensitive, do-right, can't quite connect with the ladies character finally grows a set and punches someone in the face before speeding off in a convertible. Of course that is about as 'accessible' as this album gets.

That's not to say it doesn't have other strong moments. "El Paso Song" sounds like something Lou Barlow could have arranged and would be a good dancing tune for the slow footed and easily tired. "Don't Ask Me To Dance" is reminiscent of some classic My Bloody Valentine tunes. I haven't checked the liner notes but I think it might be Robert Palmer playing the guitar 'solo' that kicks in somewhere in minute three.

On the whole The Last Romance has some good offerings. I don't expect it will blow your mind; but I'd be surprised if you listened to it and couldn't find moments that you enjoyed.

posted by Tim Danger @ 1:06 PM