Latest news with #ArabStrap
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
15 of the best Scottish bands of the 1990s, including 9 from Glasgow
All this writing about '90s nostalgia, TikTok gravitating towards the tail end of the decade, and, well, just generally having my formative years spent glued to a radio during that time has me all misty-eyed about those acts that influenced mine, and many more, listening tastes as we grew older. Living in New Zealand, right at the bottom of the world, didn't mean, however, that some of the finest Scottish exports at the time weren't being played on music television and radio; far from it. I recall first discovering Teenage Fanclub by virtue of their presence on the stunning Judgement Night soundtrack (along with De La Soul), while Nirvana referencing them and The Vaselines led to that exciting moment we all have, or had, when it comes to music discovery. So, with Gen Z becoming pop culture anthropologists more and more, won't you join me in popping on those old rose-tinted glasses, hop back into the (metaphorical) time machine and look back at some of those acts that we grew up on from Scotland? Here are 15 acts that many of us still bang on our turntables or CD players in 2025, from caffeine-fuelled power pop to the more experimental side of the music scene. 1 . Mogwai (Glasgow) From their beginnings in Glasgow in 1995, Mogwai became the kings of Scottish post-rock. Their powerful, instrumental soundscapes are built on quiet-loud dynamics and atmospheric guitars, creating cinematic and emotionally charged music. A foundational band for the genre, Mogwai's influence stretched far beyond Scotland, defining a sound that was both heavy and intensely beautiful. | BBC Radio 6 Music / Shirlaine Forrest Photo Sales 2 . Belle & Sebastian (Glasgow) Formed in Glasgow in 1996, Belle and Sebastian brought a new wave of delicate, twee indie pop to the fore. Led by the witty and poetic songwriting of Stuart Murdoch, the band's music is known for its intricate arrangements and heartfelt storytelling, painting vivid pictures of student life and social awkwardness. They quickly became a critical darling and a cult favourite, carving out a unique and enduring space in the indie music world. | Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Idlewild (Edinburgh) Formed in Edinburgh in 1995, Idlewild burst onto the scene with a raw, energetic brand of indie rock. Their early material was defined by Roddy Woomble's frantic, poetic lyrics and a noisy, chaotic guitar sound. Over the decade, they evolved from post-hardcore chaos to a more melodic and anthemic rock sound, but their 90s output remains a perfect example of the era's unbridled energy. | John Devlin Photo Sales 4 . Arab Strap (Falkirk) Formed in 1995, Falkirk's Arab Strap offered a stark and honest counterpoint to the more polished sounds of the decade. Aidan Moffat's unflinching, spoken-word lyrics about love, sex, and drunken nights, set against Malcolm Middleton's melancholic and minimalist guitar work, created a uniquely Scottish brand of lo-fi indie. |Photo Sales Related topics: BoostMusicMemoriesScotlandNostalgia
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The most miserable night for Glasgow's most miserable band? Count me in
YOU might associate summer music festivals with sunshine, cocktails and "sound of the summer" type pop tunes. Walking up to Arab Strap's headline show at Queen's Park Arena, Glasgow, on Friday night can't be further from that image. In pouring July rain, the punters brave enough to venture to this outdoor gig stomp around the festival grounds in walking boots and Munro-ready waterproof coats, trying desperately to stop the rain from watering down their plastic-cupped pints. Even frontman Aidan Moffat seems surprised that there's a sizeable crowd standing in front of him on what may well be the bleakest day of summer 2025. "I live nearby," he tells us. "And I wouldn't have come out tonight." (Image: NQ) But, and I ask this with all sincerity: Is there any better way of enjoying an Arab Strap show? The frankly miserable surroundings are the perfect atmospheric accompaniment to Glasgow's most miserable band. Opening with Allatonceness, a banger track from their most recent album "I'm Totally Fine with It Don't Give a Fuck Anymore", the deep, rich sounds are exactly what I need. The band sounds incredible, with the keys and synths particularly audible and hitting hard. At previous Strap shows, the prioritisation of guitars in the mix has covered up those more melodic notes. Tonight, it's brilliant. Dare I say it – maybe even preferable to the recorded versions. The band roll through plenty tracks from the most recent release, but get the crowd hyped up with the older cuts. Moffat also sounds most passionate on those. New Birds, from Philophobia of 1998, stands out. The crowd is silent as Moffat recites those devastating, poetic lines about reconnecting with a former lover years later. READ MORE: It is a moving moment when Moffat dedicates the anthemic Shy Retirer to Keith McIver of Optimo, who announced last week that he has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour. The frontman reveals that lyrics in the song about the "c***ed circus" are all about going out partying at Optimo shows, and the audience claps approvingly for the iconic DJ. Returning for an encore, there is a huge cheer for the ever-popular Girls of Summer. That brilliant post-punk section seems to go on forever in the best way possible. Those repetitive synth notes. Fantastic. Bringing things to an end, Moffat says: "Something's in the air tonight ... are there any questions?" The crowd roars for an oldie and shout out their requests, before Moffat and co treat us to a few final tunes as all the light of the evening fades away. It is a great show, and the turnout in this legitimately horrible weather is a testament to Arab Strap's icon status in the Glasgow music scene. See them yourself, whenever you can. There are more shows in the Glasgow Big Nights Out series coming up, including Yard Act and Geordie Greep. Find out more here
The National
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
REVIEW: A perfectly miserable night with Glasgow's most miserable band
Walking up to Arab Strap's headline show at Queen's Park Arena, Glasgow, on Friday night can't be further from that image. In pouring July rain, the punters brave enough to venture to this outdoor gig stomp around the festival grounds in walking boots and Munro-ready waterproof coats, trying desperately to stop the rain from watering down their plastic-cupped pints. Even frontman Aidan Moffat seems surprised that there's a sizeable crowd standing in front of him on what may well be the bleakest day of summer 2025. "I live nearby," he tells us. "And I wouldn't have come out tonight." (Image: NQ) But, and I ask this with all sincerity: Is there any better way of enjoying an Arab Strap show? The frankly miserable surroundings are the perfect atmospheric accompaniment to Glasgow's most miserable band. Opening with Allatonceness, a banger track from their most recent album "I'm Totally Fine with It Don't Give a Fuck Anymore", the deep, rich sounds are exactly what I need. The band sounds incredible, with the keys and synths particularly audible and hitting hard. At previous Strap shows, the prioritisation of guitars in the mix has covered up those more melodic notes. Tonight, it's brilliant. Dare I say it – maybe even preferable to the recorded versions. The band roll through plenty tracks from the most recent release, but get the crowd hyped up with the older cuts. Moffat also sounds most passionate on those. New Birds, from Philophobia of 1998, stands out. The crowd is silent as Moffat recites those devastating, poetic lines about reconnecting with a former lover years later. READ MORE: Arab Strap on Kneecap, free speech and gigging in Glasgow It is a moving moment when Moffat dedicates the anthemic Shy Retirer to Keith McIver of Optimo, who announced last week that he has been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour. The frontman reveals that lyrics in the song about the "c***ed circus" are all about going out partying at Optimo shows, and the audience claps approvingly for the iconic DJ. Returning for an encore, there is a huge cheer for the ever-popular Girls of Summer. That brilliant post-punk section seems to go on forever in the best way possible. Those repetitive synth notes. Fantastic. Bringing things to an end, Moffat says: "Something's in the air tonight ... are there any questions?" The crowd roars for an oldie and shout out their requests, before Moffat and co treat us to a few final tunes as all the light of the evening fades away. It is a great show, and the turnout in this legitimately horrible weather is a testament to Arab Strap's icon status in the Glasgow music scene. See them yourself, whenever you can. There are more shows in the Glasgow Big Nights Out series coming up, including Yard Act and Geordie Greep. Find out more here
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Pop duo Oh Wonder coming to Glasgow's Saint Luke's
Oh Wonder, famous for tunes like All We Do and Without You, are set to perform at Saint Luke's in the city's East End. The show, which will take place on Thursday, October 16, will celebrate 10 years since the release of Oh Wonder's self-titled debut album. The band consists of Anthony Vander West and Josephine Vander West, who got married in 2021 and are based in London. READ NEXT: 'Woooooweeeee': Popular country star to perform in Glasgow as part of upcoming tour Taking to Instagram, the pair said they are bringing a grand piano with them on their upcoming tour. They added: "We can't wait to see you." READ NEXT: 'Long time coming': Arab Strap share excitement for first arena show in Glasgow Tickets for the show will go live at 10am on July 4. Pre-sale tickets are also available from 10am on July 3. To purchase tickets, or to sign up for pre-sale, visit
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Willow Avalon to perform at SWG3 in Glasgow West End
Willow Avalon, best known for songs like Tequila or Whiskey and Homewrecker, will be performing at SWG3 on February 26, 2026. The show follows the release of her debut album, Southern Belle Raisin' Hell, which came out in January of this year. READ NEXT: 'Long time coming': Arab Strap share excitement for first arena show in Glasgow Originally from Georgia and now based in Nashville, Willow rose to fame after independently releasing her debut single Drivin' in 2021 which quickly led to a deal with Atlantic Records/Assemble Sound in 2023 and the release of her EP Stranger in 2024. She has went on to perform on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and CBS Mornings, as well as festivals like Hangout and Lollapolooza. And, she has even shared stages with legends like Zach Bryan, Bob Dylan and Cage the Elephant. READ NEXT: I visited the new dinosaur attraction near Glasgow - my verdict Tickets for the upcoming show will go live on July 4 at 10am. To purchase tickets, visit
