>> Arab Strap

The Scottish duo of Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton formed in in the mid-'90s, building a style based on folk's sparse simplicity and indie rock's musically adventurous spirit. Although the band initially earned comparisons to folk and slowcore acts, most were based more on the slow tempos and sparse arrangements than strong musical or thematic ties.

With Moffat weaving lurid tales of sex, infidelity and heartbrak with a poet's eye for detail, Middleton plays slow, melancholic backing numbers for a haunting and disturbing sound.