Arab Strap are back with more unflinchingly pessimistic commentary on the modern world, but although their lyrical content is far from uplifting, they’ll still have you grooving. ‘Half-Told Tales’ introduces a more fully-realised approach to their songwriting; previously, the band has stuck to sparse accompaniments that place the emphasis on the pitch-black humour and grotesque imagery of their lyrics, delivered in vocalist Aidan Moffat’s deep Scottish drawl. While the lyrics in these 14 new tracks are still sharp enough to cut through the noise, the production extends their impact through relentless percussion, melodic guitar riffs, evocative strings and horns, as well as beautiful piano melodies on the more vulnerable tracks. LT

Out now on Rock Action