A Brighter Beat

"…triumphant third album.”
- Mojo (4/5)

”…a spring-heeled, jet-black gem.”
- Observer Music Monthly (4/5)

"…razor-sharp songs that do valiant justice to the desperate optimism of gutter-bound dreamers.”
- Q (4/5)

”There are great, skirling guitar breaks that blow your head off; the melodies are powerful; the mood so majestically bleak you'll laugh for joy.”
- The Sunday Telegraph (4/5)

"…these are singalong songs right from the twisted heart.”
- Metro (4/5)

"…an invigorating pop album, full of wit, tunes and empathy for the bedsit nation.”
- The Independent Information (4/5)

The first release from Inertia's new in-house imprint POD is the captivating third solo album from Malcolm Middleton. Formerly one half of indie pop darlings Arab Strap, Middleton's 'A Brighter Beat' is the next defining statement in his journey - a deeply cathartic, observational, but ultimately humorous insight into the darker facets of the human experience.

While Arab Strap are well known for their uncomfortably intimate lyrics, Middleton's solo career - which ran in tandem with the band until they split in '06 - has provided an outlet for his more personal &, at times, more insightful songs.

Recorded at Mogwai's studios in Glasgow with co-producer Tony Doogan {Mogwai, Belle and Sebastian}, 'A Brighter Beat' features the talents of numerous luminaries from the Glasgow scene. Barry Burns {Mogwai}, Jenny Reeve {Reindeer Section}, Paul Savage {Delgadoes} and Mick Cooke {Belle and Sebastian} appear alongside numerous string and brass players.

'A Brighter Beat' has confirmed Middleton as one of the true originals of our time, affirming his place in the same lineage of passionate, pained songwriters as Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and Elliott Smith.

"Without a weak song on it, this album is already one of the year's highlights!”
- The Times (4/5)

Yep, that's right folks - it looks like 'A Brighter Beat' scores a unanimous 4 out of 5!