Arab Strap - Philophobia

'Songwriters Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat obsess over the details of their romantic chaos and drunken stupors, setting their disillusionment to beautiful, uncluttered arrangements of guitar, organ and strings.'
Rolling Stone

'Arab Strap have become well-versed in the art of grabbing the attention of strangers over the past couple of years....splendidly compelling'
NME

'"Insightful" is a word you rarely need for pop, but it's entierly apt here. 'Philophobia' is not only a beautiful-sounding record, but a fearlessly ugly one, and the contradiction between the abstract magnificense of the setting, and the shrivelled emotional paralysis within must surely be intentional. It's as much about love of self, after all, as fear of loving.

Astonishing, really. This record will ruin you for the near-beer of most boys' sensitive love songs. Not coincidentally because 'Philophobia' just might be what most boys' love songs are really about.'
Melody Maker