The Cribs celebrate 25 years of music evolution and resilience
This year marks 25 years of The Cribs, a milestone that underscores their enduring presence in the British indie rock scene, reports BritPanorama. Despite their longevity, the Jarman brothers exude a youthful energy, with bassist Gary sporting a striking moustache, enhancing their fresh-faced appearance during a recent video call.
Originating from Wakefield, the band emerged from the punk scene and swiftly ascended to national prominence amid the hedonistic mid-noughties, a period now often viewed through a nostalgic lens of “indie sleaze.” Early on, they embraced the chaotic live music scene, famously adopting the adage “three songs and off to casualty” due to their high-octane performances. A notable incident nearly cost guitarist Ryan his life when he sustained a severe injury at the NME Awards.
Reflecting on recent anniversary shows celebrating their 2005 album The New Fellas, Gary remarked that it felt akin to “method acting,” acknowledging the difficulty of returning to a past defined by a different environment and audience. Their third album, 2007’s Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever, marked a critical turning point in their career, showcasing polished production and socially relevant lyrics that distinguished them from their peers.
Over the years, the band has navigated various challenges, including the music press’s tendency to dismiss them as part of a broader “landfill indie” scene. They also saw the fleeting addition of acclaimed guitarist Johnny Marr, who joined for the 2009 album Ignore the Ignorant before pursuing a solo career. Health issues also plagued Ryan during the recording of their 2012 album, In the Belly of the Brazen Bull, and decisions regarding their musical direction have vacillated in their more recent works.
In 2017, The Cribs lost the rights to their back catalogue, a troubling development that necessitated a challenging battle against industry practices they had long criticized. Ryan described the experience as an “existential threat,” one that ultimately deepened their appreciation for what the band means to them. “When you’ve argued in a boardroom about the validity of your life’s work, it’s hard not to feel differently,” he noted.
The tribulations have fostered a matured collective identity within the band. Ross shared their understanding of trust in the industry, stating that only he truly relies on Gary and Ryan, reinforcing their collaboration despite external challenges. Their ninth album, Selling a Vibe, signals a continuation of their artistic evolution, blending pop-rock exuberance with introspective themes, and follows the successful Night Network from 2020.
While past albums often obscured melodic richness under a punk aesthetic, Selling a Vibe highlights Gary and Ryan’s harmonies within a more accessible pop framework. The album’s standout tracks, like “Self-Respect” and “Never the Same,” showcase this shift. Interestingly, “Never the Same” was inspired by tentative writing discussions with former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson.
Despite their punk roots, Ryan acknowledges the contemporary music landscape’s complexities, remarking that the band’s working-class ethos has been a defining aspect of their identity. He reflected on how their experiences in the industry, often marked by elitism, contrast sharply with their background.
Their extensive catalogue and rigorous performance schedule over 22 years have further solidified their place in music history. Yet, Selling a Vibe reveals a newfound perspective that priorities relationships beyond their musical careers.
Gary elaborated on the revelations of their legal battles, emphasizing it allowed them time to reconnect, reminding them of the importance of their familial bonds, often overshadowed by their dedication to music. Each brother currently lives apart, with Gary in Portland, Ryan in New York, and Ross remaining in Wakefield.
Ryan concluded with reflections on the album’s theme of clarity, stating, “We’re not lost in the fog of rock ‘n’ roll bullshit and excess, like we used to be; we don’t have to worry about extraneous noise, or other people’s opinions.” The forward-looking tone is evident in the album’s closing track, “Brothers Won’t Break,” which heralds a renewed purpose as they enter this new chapter.
Selling a Vibe is out now.
