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Named after a sex aid, it's no surprise Arab Strap's lyrics focus on the grubbier side of life, sometimes forming a surprising contrast to their brooding indie, post-folk sound.
Scots Aidan Moffat (vocals) and Malcolm Middleton (multiple instruments) met in Falkirk and started working together in 1995, after years of exchanging cassette tapes. They signed to Glasgow indie Chemikal Underground and bought in string players Jenny Reeve (violin) and Stacey Sievewright (cello).
Arab Strap's first album 'The Week Never Starts Round Here' was released in 1996 and followed by 'Philophobia' in 1998 and 'Elephant Shoe' (2000), The Red Thread (2001) and Monday at the Hug and Pint (2003). Fellow Scottish band Belle and Sebastian paid tribute to Arab Strap, naming their 1998 album The Boy With The Arab Strap. (If you're wondering, an Arab Strap is made of leather, with a metal ring and is often used to help maintain an erection. You can learn all sorts here.)