Considering that Moffat is best known for his distinctive lyrical and vocal style, for him to deliver instrumental music of such beauty, poignancy and sheer quality surely makes him some sort of a genius. An early contender for 2007’s album of the year? Very possibly.  Full text...

As the vocal half of Scots miserablists Arab Strap Aidan Moffat's tales of wry drunken fumblings and regret, soaked in booze, were couched in sympathetic musical backgrounds provided by Malcolm Middleton that encompassed post-rock, acoustic and elements of dance music. It's a surprise then to hear the musical works of the voice step out from behind the microphone to provide a sensitive organic instrumental album of such beauty and pastoral textures. It's a far cry from the self-loathing that characterised his contributions to Arab Strap.  Full text...

Dip is a dreamlike, contemplative album whose watery theme is heralded by the waves that open "Gullsong" before trumpet, strings and a squeezebox flesh it out.  Full text...

Dip's problem is it proves (again) that Moffat is stretching too few dull ideas too tightly over the same transient shell. His reluctance so far to branch out with his vocal/prose work into the solo arena may be commendable from an awkward artist point of view, but it is beginning to look like his instrumental L. Pierre project is never going to satisfy.  Full text...