Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’

Former Arab Strap guitarist Malcolm Middleton returns to Glasgow’s seminal alternative label Chemikal Underground in 2012 with his self-titled debut album as Human Don’t Be Angry. Named in honour of the German version of board game Frustration (“Mensch ärgere Dich nicht”), the album was recorded at Chem19 studios during October 2011 alongside producer and drum programmer Paul Savage, with live drum parts from Middleton’s old Arab Strap partner Aidan Moffat.

‘HDBA is a facade, a front so I can have fun again musically,’ says Middleton, who describes himself as having felt bored and restricted by what he jokingly refers to as the ‘heart-on-sleeve complaining’ of his solo work. ‘I thought I’d go back to what I enjoy,’ he says, ‘which is playing guitar and writing melodies.’

The original idea to create an album of gentle guitar instrumentals and drum-free ambient atmospherics was soon put paid to when Middleton entered the studio with Savage, as drum tracks were added and lyrics emerged for some of the songs, albeit often as poetic repetitions of phrases rather than structured verse-chorus-verse affairs. The words fit with the laid-back air of the music and help showcase Middleton’s often under-rated skill as a guitarist, leaving the sense that he’s made ‘more of an album I’d want to listen to than the one I thought I wanted to make.’

Song titles like ‘Jaded’ and ‘Getting Better (At Feeling Like Shit)’ are a tongue-in-cheek diversion from an album which is musically breezy and upbeat, although the emotional bittersweetness you might expect from the man who wrote ‘We’re All Going to Die’ is never far from the surface. ‘It’s only recently I’ve realised how the record is also influenced by my childhood and the 1980s,’ jokes Middleton. ‘Song titles like ‘The Missing Plutonium’, ‘After the Pleasuredome’ and ‘1985’ refer to Back to the Future, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Live Aid. Obviously Jan Hammer and Iron Maiden are in there too…’

So Human Don’t Be Angry is a refresher before Middleton returns re-energised to his solo career, but it’s also here to stay as a new creative avenue. Songs have been written for the second album, and he can’t wait to see what Paul Savage does with them ‘to remove my 2D expectations.’

Plus support from MARTIN JOHN HENRY collaborator of Malcolm Middleton, King Creosote and Mogwai, ex member of De Rosa, Chemical Underground contemporary classic album makers.

And we’re delighted that new Chemikal Underground signing MIAOUX MIAOUX will also be playing. Here are a few glowing reviews from his native city of Glasgow:

The List:
Best gigs of the year 13/12/11

‘We don’t tend to throw about words like ‘spellbinding’ and ‘mesmerising’. But for a gig that asked us to lie back and gaze at the stars, while laptop wizardry and shimmering electro-prog-rock washed over us, we feel it deserves both’

Show review 21/10/11
‘One-man poptronic wonder Miaoux Miaoux, who live-looped drum samples and the metallic strumming of his electric guitar as easily as if he were in his own bedroom. His set pulsated with lively versions of tracks from his 2007 album, Rainbow Bubbles, and ended with ‘Snow’, the closer to his 2010 ‘Blooms’ EP, on which his small but perfect voice shone through the electronic hum like a beacon.’

Glasgow Podcart:
Ones to Watch 2012 30/12/11
‘Whether on record or live Miaoux Miaoux delivers every time. His performance in a caravan (the smallest rave in the world) at this year’s Wickerman with our friends Detour filming was one of our ultimate highlights of 2011. He really deserves a massive audience.’

Herald Scotland:
King Tut’s Summer Nights review 27/07/11
‘Also known as Glasgow-based Julian Corrie, our electro-melodist dispatched a colourful, dexterous blaze of machine-balladry and dance-floor anthems which underscored why many eyes are on Miaoux Miaoux’s every move’

Sucking Lemons blog:
‘This Monday sees the release of an absolute belter of a track by Miaoux Miaoux on the brilliantly structured Eli & Oz singles label. It’s never sounded as good as this.’