Malcolm Middleton (the smaller, ginger component of Arab Strap) has been carving out a niche in the increasingly crowded market for folky Scots with a style recognisable to long-time fans.

This, minus the worst of the oppressive, boozy nihilism that made Arab Strap so dear.

Things became confused the last few releases, in which cheer and optimism tentatively poked up their heads, but on Waxing Gibbous, he balances the shock of some up-tempo numbers with slower, fragile paeans to self-doubt.

He even plays with some electronic twinges, but it’s pretty hard to mistake him for anyone else, synths or no.
While the faster, piano-led first half is fun, it comes across a little generic, while his gift for lacerating observation and reflection remain undimmed on the quieter second half.

One suspects that, even if it leaves him feeling pigeon-holed, he knows his miserable better than his hopeful.

4 out of 5

Richard Davie