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Biography
Prior to setting up their own lo-fi, analogue studio, Springtime Studios, as a recording outlet for the band, The Cribs had debuted at a family party in the late ’80s, when all the brothers were younger than 10. Growing up on the same diet of the Beatles, Sex Pistols and the Smiths, the trio became finely tuned with one another and recorded well-received demo. The demo caused a stir and along with successful performances at the likes of Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club and the Metro in London, the band signed with indie-label Wichita Recordings in 2003.
The band re-recorded a number of the songs on their demo, working with avant-garde musician Bobby Conn and music engineer Ed Deegan. It wasn’t long before the Cribs became highly revered by music publications, notably NME, and their self-titled debut, recorded in seven days, perked the ears of many in the industry. The album led to an extensive period of touring, including significant slots at the festivals Reading and Leeds and T in the Park, which garnered the band an intensely devoted following.
The Cribs’ next released came in 2005 with the album “The New Fellas”, this time working with Orange Juice singer-songwriter Edwyn Collins. The album, like its predecessor has an unpolished lo-fi approach to it and features the singles “Hey Scenesters” and “Haunted”, the latter of which was recorded on Scarborough beach in the UK. The band’s subsequent release “Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever” in 2007, features a who’s who of esteemed collaborations including Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand, Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, and mixed by Andy Wallace. The single “Men’s Needs”, reached No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart and marked the Cribs’ first breakthrough onto mainstream radio.
By this time the Cribs had become a high-profile indie rock band and were afforded the luxuries of headlining and main stage festival slots. By chance, Gary of the band met Johnny Marr, at the time member of Modest Mouse, who went on to officially join the band for their subsequent release “Ignore the Ignorant” in 2009. On top of appearing on the recording, which became the Cribs’ first Top Ten UK hit, Marr joined the band on tour, including dates in Australia and New Zealand and at Reading and Leeds.
Johnny Marr announced his more than amicable departure from the band in 2011, and the Cribs subsequently released the albums “In the Belly of the Brazen Bull” in 2011 and “Payola” in 2012, the latter of which features the single “Leather Jacket Love Song” released in 2013.
Live reviews
The Cribs have always been brilliant fun, and last night they did not disappoint. I've seen them at Reading Festival and in bigger venues in London, so to see them in the comparatively small surroundings of Sub89 was quite special.
The setlist was excellent, a good mix of old and new. A riotous "Our Bovine Public" got things off to a lively start, and first album rareities "It Was Only Love" and "Lights Go Out" were particular early highlights for me. However things really got going later on - I've never seen The Cribs play "Moving Pictures" live before as apparently Gary Jarman is not a fan, so this was a massive treat. "Be Safe" inspired the massive singalong that it always does and live favourites "Men's Needs" and "Mirror Kisses" were predictably brilliant . There was even time for a cheeky Ramones cover to mark the death of Tommy.
My only gripe with The Cribs is their continued insistence to finish with "City of Bugs." It's not a bad song but they've got so much better in their locker. They haven't played "Wrong Way To Be" in a while and in my opinion it would be a welcome addition to an otherwise great setlist. All in all though, a great band on top form at a good little venue!
rfc_478
The way in which The Cribs attack every single live show is really astounding as you have to question where they get both their unmatched energy and aggression. Appearing on the live circuit over ten years ago, they were considered a punk revival of sorts as what they appeared to be doing was something completely original. They are often considered to be a catalyst of the indie revolution of the mid-00's.
Though nobody else who has emerged since The Cribs though have shown a similar passion so therefore they have managed to remain relevant in an over saturated market. Their fans have continued to support them as they play larger and larger venues due to the increased commercial popularity of their albums. They reward the loyal fans with a rendition of one of their earliest singles 'Hey Scenesters!' which they clap, chant and jump along to. The whole venue moves as a collective to favourite 'Men's Needs' which has become a modern anthem whilst the band launch themselves around the stage during in a manner possessed.
sean-ward
Good, fun, bouncy indie rock that always gets you going. Mixing a nice blend from their latest album with their hits ensured a nice singalong throughout and that energy levels didn't drop. Set was good length, not too long that it included lesser songs, not too short that it missed out any vital numbers. However, they didn't have encore which was frustrating as I ended up missing a song busting for a piss.
jamie-macbeth
Spectacular set, absolutely phenomenal performance. Lively crowd which meant lots of crowd surfing (obviously we didn't do such a thing) Great venue, would certainly recommend it to anyone.
THE CRIBS NAILED IT!!!
Just gutted we didn't find em' on tinder.
Shields n Sheens.
nina-eyre
The gig was fucking crazy! Best of the Cribs that I've even seen! If I could stay in London longer, I would love to go to all three gigs in London! The stage looked stunning! Can't wait to see them again! :^)
kimho426kimho
