A Brighter Beat

New album released 26 February 2007 on Full Time Hobby

So what's with Malcolm Middleton these days? His second solo album, 2005's Into The Woods, surprised all with pure pop melodies (even if they were concealing heartbroken lyrics). Then Arab Strap's next (and final) album The Last Romance was a triumphal, upbeat record, an about-turn of sorts from a band widely regarded as 'miserablists'. Now comes Middleton's follow-up to In The Woods, and, lo and behold, he's called it A Brighter Beat. But titles can be misleading. Ever in tune with the darker side of human relationships and the pain of loneliness and depression, Middleton has pulled off a neat trick - it's uplifting music for sad people; upbeat at times (Fuck It, I Love You), harrowing at others (Four Cigarettes), but always cathartic.

Says Malcolm: "If I was forced to describe it (which I am) I'd probably say it was 'a pop album for people who hate pop music'. Or maybe 'love songs for depressed people who worry too much about dying and the consequences of their daily actions and thoughts to be able to enjoy life fully'. There's nothing clever, hidden or political in any of the songs, it's pretty much a 'me' album again, although I don't think there's as much complaining as on my first two records."

Recorded at Mogwai's Castle Of Doom studio in Glasgow with co-producer Tony Doogan (Mogwai, Belle & Sebastian, Dirty Pretty Things), A Brighter Beat features the talents of numerous luminaries from the Glasgow scene. Barry Burns (Mogwai), Jenny Reeve (Reindeer Section), Paul Savage (Delgados) and Mick Cooke (Belle & Sebastian) appear alongside numerous string and brass players. But Malcolm and his songs are the stars here. A Brighter Beat confirms Middleton's status as one of the best songwriters of his generation.

"These last two albums are definitely more confident than the first, which was very much a step in the dark," says Malcolm. "But even after ten years of doing this, I still find it hard to justify why I do it. I mean it's not for the money and a nine to five job would probably stabilize me and benefit my health greatly. I must like shouting out quietly or something."

The album begins on a positive note of sorts - a frenetic, electronic burst of energy called We're All Going To Die. "Not exactly a newsflash but you'd be surprised at how many people need reminding of this," says Malcolm. One suspects his fans aren't in that number. "We all get comfort from knowing that other people are uncomfy too," he says, "This idea is most evident in the title track A Brighter Beat. To me, it's a support anthem for people who find it hard leaving the house sometimes or socialising in general. If you're on your own at home and feeling depressed it's funny to think that there's millions of other people feeling exactly the same."