More than two decades on from their debut, The Cribs return with their ninth album, Selling A Vibe. One of Britain’s best-loved bands, the Wakefield trio have long been defined by an indestructible bond that crackles beneath their urgent, energetic sound – a connection rarely acknowledged as openly as it is on this.
The album opens with ‘Dark Luck’, its scuzzy, stop-start guitar hooks and driving rhythm immediately setting the tone. The measured title track ‘Selling A Vibe’ follows, before ‘A Point Too Hard To Make’ leaves a lasting impression. Subtle synth flourishes weave through its anthemic rush, anchored by a catchy, insistent hook – a combination that makes it easy to hear why the track earned a spot on BBC 6 Music’s A-list.
‘Never The Same’ follows, its jaunty, upbeat exterior disguising the emotional weight beneath. Looking back on a relationship that was chaotic yet exhilarating at the time, the track balances nostalgia with self-awareness, marking the album’s first clear moment of lyrical honesty and emotional openness. ‘Summer Seizures’ contrasts the rawness of its predecessor with a slower, more measured pace. Melodic and driven by a singalong chorus, it feels unmistakably like classic Cribs, as the band grapple with the aftermath of love, reflected in lines about “the scars of romance.”
‘Looking For The Wrong Guy’ stands out as one of the album’s most heartfelt moments. The closest the band come to a ballad, it adds a welcome shift in tone before giving way to a triple run of pop-leaning highlights: ‘If Your Paths Never Crossed’, ‘Self-Respect’ and ‘You’ll Tell Me Anything’. While less overtly pop-driven, ‘Rose Mist’ is just as compelling, its programmed beats and finger-clicking breakdowns sitting effortlessly alongside soft, understated vocals. When you think of The Cribs, your mind instinctively jumps to urgency, clenched-fist choruses and guitars flung with abandon – but there’s a tenderness to their songwriting that proves just as powerful.
As the album moves towards its closing stretch, ‘Distractions’ maintains the lowered tempo, drawing its strength from the harmonised vocals of Ryan and Gary, who share the spotlight to striking effect. A celebration of the trio’s bond, ‘Brothers Don’t Break’ brings the album to a fitting close. Warm and expansive in tone, it leans towards the majestic, reflecting its focus on resilience and family ties. In doing so, it reflects the album’s careful balance between grit and melody, pairing its indie rock foundations with a more open-hearted touch.
‘Selling A Vibe’ captures the brothers at their very best, standing as an unapologetic celebration of family and togetherness. Its message feels particularly poignant in the context of their previous release, Night Network, which arrived just as Covid-19 hit and forced the band to cancel their tour. In the aftermath of that sudden halt, the album reads as a reaffirmation of purpose – rooted in connection, resilience and the enduring strength of the band’s bond.
The Cribs head out on a UK tour in support of the album in March. Tickets are available here.
