Search - Arab Strap :: Red Thread

WHOA

_ | Atlanta, GA USA | 07/07/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's lyrically heart-wrenching, seriously intricate, opaquely romantic, and musically daring. Hey they even figure out a way to loop a Yamaha Portasound PSS-570 keyboard drum preset within "Scenery", and I should know the sound because I have that old keyboard myself upstairs! Even the CD cover art is stunning. This album definitely isn't for the faint of heart. Nor is it for mainstream music fans looking for the all-mighty Top 40 radio hook and poppy dance melodies. 'The Red Thread' is for those who embrace the journey into the abyss of the human condition. It's one reflective side of true singer/songwriter music. So if you've gotten through the likes of Violet Indiana, The Cure's 'Bloodflowers' album, Ivy's 'Long Distance' album, even some Siouxsie and The Banshees, and Red House Painters' 'Old Ramon' album, then you're ready for 'The Read Thread'. Or are you? Take the plunge and immediately buy this album and prepare to see your world in new hues. A great album for realistic and longing hearts everywhere."

Gentler, Nastier

Dirk Hugo | Cape Town, South Africa | 04/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Arab Strap's unique appeal has always lain in the juxtaposition of Malcolm Middleton's elegant instrumentation with Aidan Moffat's sinisterly laddish carnal obsessions. Occasionally their songs have an upbeat and rogueish soul quality, vocals drawled in a heavy Scottish brogue over a curious Glaswegian Motown beat, but it is the slower and more spacious songs on which Arab Strap truly shine. 'The Long Sea' is easily this album's finest, showcasing chiming guitars and meandering keyboards with a Middle Eastern quality that are later overwhelmed by a wall of rich and sumptuous feedback."

I like where they're going

Jasper Mcworthy | USA | 01/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This group continues to astound me again and again, the melody, the sadness, the intertwining of both artists and how they crumble towards the end. I really like when the girl sings though, I'm not sure she's on this one. She might be. If you haven't heard the live one, you should, it'll make you like this more. It has a spiritual link with Mogwai. Kind of their companions and equals. It's hard for me to figure who I like more, I listen to more Arab Strap. They are top notch live too, if you get a chance to check them out.



Did I mention how good the drums are, this one and the one before it. I like when they turn it up a notch on the dance beats."