:: Malcolm Middleton - Waxing Gibbous (Special Edition)

Malcolm Middleton

If you’re not familiar with the work of Scottish singer/songwriter Malcolm Middleton, then one listen to his new album ‘Waxing Gibbous’ will leave you asking ‘why the hell haven’t I heard of him earlier’. Middleton is better known for his work with indie band Arab Strap recently announced that this, his fifth solo album’ will be his last for a while as he focuses on other projects. In other words if you want a Middleton hit, snap this one up before a drought… and if it’s a hit you want then ‘Waxing Gibbous’ is the purist hit you can possibly find. The secret to this album is to get past the opening track ‘Red Travellin’ Socks’ as fast as you can. The great melody of this track is spoiled by the music overbearing the lyrics, but from then on in is smooth sailing. The fast paced ‘Kiss At The Station’ is a great listen while the haunting ‘Carry Me’ will simply amaze you. ‘Zero’ showcases Middleton’s unique voice while the very-schizophrenic ‘Stop Doing Be Good’ changes moods at whim but doesn’t jar with the listener. ‘Shadows’ is sweet-rock at its best and ‘Don’t Want To Sleep Tonight’ is catchy folk music that will have you singing along in an instant. The folk sound continues with ‘Ballad Of Fuck All’, a song made that extra bit special with some amazing backing vocals by Jenny Reeve. The electronic feel of ‘Box & Knife’ is a reminder that there are still indie artists out there who are willing to experiment, while the softer ‘Made Up Your Mind’ once showcases Middleton’s great vocals. The electronica sounds re-appear on ‘Subset Of The World’ and ‘Love On The Run’, but by far the best track to be found on ‘Waxing Gibbous’ is Middleton’s cover of Ladyhawke’s ‘My Delirium’… once I heard that track I just listened to it over and over.