You'll laugh, you'll cringe, you'll be sad, you'll reflect on your life. It's Arab Strap alright!

Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton paint a fascinating portrait of middle age

Much like its name, Half-Told Tales, these deeply felt, descriptive and lived-in songs are amongst the formidable Scottish duo’s finest and most immediate work

Packed with caustic drama and moments of real heart, Half-Told Tales makes clear that Arab Strap are still well connected to their alt-pop alchemy that fuelled former glories, that likewise has dreamed up a fine record cementing their always unique presence in the indie world

Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton offer a meditation on age, modern life and the past, offering hope and resilience – and evidence that things can get better

Hal-Told Tales flip from splenetic guitar noise to minimal electro grooves and ambient spoken-word pieces. Print edition only

Over Malcolm Middleton's fertile arrangements, Moffat's poetry offers the reassurance that good people still exist in the world. Print edition only

Their Malcolm Middleton-orchestrated musical backdrop is as exciting and unpredictable as ever. Print edition only

The downbeat duo can't help but wallow, but there's hope and joy in small moments on their latest