The Arab Strap. A multipurpose sexual device. Often comprising of soft leather and metal rings, this age-old invention of sexual exploration sensually wraps its soft leather, belt-like body about the penis in an attempt to prolong and sustain the erection.
Hmmm. A sordid little fellow, indeed. What better way then to classify The Last Romance, the latest installment from Scotland’s own Arab Strap. Like the said gadget of erectile maintenance, so too does The Last Romance hinge on with a dueling feel of harsh and smooth. Like the leather, so too do the pianos and strings tickle, even stroke your ears with a suppleness often unheard on an Arab Strap album.
The edginess of Aidan Moffat’s vocals, while still airing on the side of raspy, has found a stasis with the newfound instrumentation. Nonetheless, the ruthless sting in the man’s lyrics continue to grip tightly, like the metal ring, at the head of each song, leaving us with arousing daydreams of repugnant yet alluring affairs.
Of course, like a swanky cock ring, the novelty eventually wears off. And the extreme lack of gravitas and sincerity of The Last Romance produces a familiar repellence oft-cherished and trumpeted in boy’s locker rooms or in the comments of compulsive masturbators on a Suicide Girl’s message board.
Such being said, heed my warning: although the Arab Strap may increase sexual pleasure and stamina, it likewise has the potential to leave you unfulfilled, tired and ready for bed.
Bill Wallace
The Arab Strap (Transdreamer)