Today, Arab Strap shares “You're Not There,” another taste of what's to come with their upcoming new album. “I totally agree with that, I don't give a damn anymore” Available May 10 via Rock Action Records.
“You're Not There” is a song about a man who still talks to his late wife via text message. Aidan Moffat says; “It is a very common part of the grieving process now and can help the bereaved come to terms with their loss. I love the idea that our phones can function as a kind of modern Ouija board; The difference, of course, is that most people don't expect a response.”
The song began as a piano piece by Malcolm Middleton called “Joshua's Gone,” which was inspired by his son's melting snowman. Aidan continues “…so it seems like it was always meant to be a song about loss and impermanence.”
Watch the lyric video for “You're Not There” – BELOW:
Nearly 28 years after their debut, Arab Strap have never sounded more essential, and this new record is a fierce testament to their laser focus on broader horizons. Written and performed exclusively by Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat, and honed with collaborator Paul Savage, the album furthers the band's transformation from swooning, sluggish romantics to furious chroniclers of alt-pop.
“I totally agree with that, I don't give a damn anymore” It may sound like the title of an album by a band giving up (it's just a text from the band's live drummer that Moffat thought was funny), but it's actually an album that clearly defines a new creative period for Arab Strap . With the band recently concluding a tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their 1998 album 'Philophobia', this new album feels charged with the desire to move forward and explore new ground.
“The tour has been fun, but I'll be glad it's over so we can move on.” laughs Middleton, as Moffat echoes him; “The Philophobia concerts have been a way of saying goodbye to the old us.” he says. “It was a very smooth and quiet tour, so I hope that this year we just play one song after another. I think we've earned the right to make some noise now.”
The band has recently announced a series of live shows following the album's release. The dates are as follows:
May 20 – The Brickyard, Carlisle, England
May 21 – Fire Station, Sunderland, England
May 22 – Castle & Falcon, Birmingham, England
May 23 – Lantern, Bristol, England
May 24 – Koko, London, England
May 25 – Gorilla, Manchester, England
May 26 – Brudenell, Leeds, England
May 30 – Primavera Sound, Barcelona, Spain
May 31 – Reithalle, Kaserne, Basel, Switzerland
June 1 – Grabenhalle, St. Gallen, Switzerland
June 20 – Rocca Medievale, Castiglione del Lago, Italy
June 21 – Botanique Bologna, Bologna, Italy
June 22 – Triennale Milano Teatro, Milan, Italy
August 27 – Junkyard, Dortmund, Germany
August 29 – Pop-Kulture Festival, Berlin, Germany
August 30 – Knust, Hamburg, Germany
September 1 – From Helling, Utrecht, Netherlands
September 11 – Empire, Belfast, Northern Ireland
September 12 – Dolans, Limerick, Ireland
September 13 – Roisin Dubh, Galway, Ireland
September 14 – Whelan's, Dublin, Ireland
September 16 – The Byre Theatre, St Andrews, Scotland
September 17 – Limonero, Aberdeen, Scotland
September 18 – La Belle Angèle, Edinburgh, Scotland
September 19 – The Venue, Dumfries, Scotland
September 20 – MAC Arts, Galashiels, Scotland
September 21 – Barrowland Hall, Glasgow
Album track list:
Allatancy
Bliss
Sociometer Blues
Hide your fires
Summer season
sand mills
strawberry moon
you are not there
haven't you heard
safe and well
queen of scum
Turn off the light
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