A Brighter Beat

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.