Arab Strap, the Scottish indie duo of Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton, have released their ninth studio album, Half-Told Tales, out on 4th September 2026 via Rock Action Records. The review finds the pair sticking closely to the sound they have honed since their 1996 debut, blending sullen surrealism, brittle acoustic passages and post-rock textures with Moffat's distinctive spoken-word Falkirk delivery, offering few surprises but confirming the duo's continued knack for sharp, cathartic songwriting.

The 14-track record spans hellish dancefloor stomp on 'Glamour Magick', a brassy, snarling opener in 'I Want Noise', and nocturnal electro shuffles on 'Gape'. Standout moments include 'Be a Man', which skewers toxic online "manosphere" culture through a touching father-son exchange, and 'Dollar Park', a strange and intimate love song. The review, produced by Paul Savage, praises the album for its caustic drama and genuine heart, concluding that Arab Strap remain a uniquely vital presence in the indie music world.