For more than two decades, The Cribs have been a band easily labelled by many as survivors of the indie landfill scene, but to anyone paying closer to attention it’s always been harder to predict what to expect. Johnny Marr jangle, radio-friendly anthems? Steve Albini alt-rock thrash? Fall apart entirely? Surely brothers don’t break up…
Musically on this, the band’s ninth studio album, there is less of the screaming urgency and sticky dancefloor riffs than can be found on earlier hits. Melodic pop sensibilities born in the 1980s — think The Replacements or Orange Juice — are more prominent here, with the aid of producer, former Chairlift member and MGMT collaborator Patrick Wimberly.
It’s six years since 2020’s Night Network, which was released in the void of the pandemic to critical acclaim but deprived their cult fanbase of the sweat-drenched, chorus-chanting energy that is the live Cribs experience. That came on the back of well-documented legal wranglings with their former management. A triumph for the working-class heroes against the music industry, but at what cost? It’s enough to kill the vibe.
As a family (Wakefield-born twins Gary and Ryan Jarman front the band, alongside younger brother Ross) that has long lived thousands of miles apart, they say they have used the time since to open up to one another and redefine their relationship. Gladly for fans, the album’s closing track makes it clear how they’ve resolved where they are now: Brothers Won’t Break.
Out January 9. The Cribs play two shows with signings live at Rough Trade East on January 9
