The Cribs' latest album, Selling a Vibe, is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. On the surface, it's more of the same: distorted guitars, sharp songwriting, and a confident swagger that has defined the band's career for 22 years. But scratch beneath the surface, and you'll find an album that's both deeply personal and remarkably mature.
While their peers were busy chasing mainstream success, the Cribs maintained a studious detachment from the indie rock scene's flashier moments. They were always more in tune with the "proper indie" tradition, where artistic freedom was paramount and commercial ambitions were tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism. It's an ethos that has served them well over the years, allowing them to maintain a loyal cult following without ever sacrificing their independence.
On Selling a Vibe, this approach is on full display. The album deals in familiar territory – jangly guitars, catchy hooks, and a drum machine-infused beat that underpins tracks like A Point Too Hard to Make and Rose Mist. But it's the songwriting that truly sets this album apart. Lyrically, the Cribs are as rueful-eyed as ever, but now they're tempered by experience. They've been through the wars, and their songs reflect a newfound sense of contentment – even if that means acknowledging that some experiences are best left behind.
Take Distractions, for example. Here, we find a band that knows exactly what it does, how to do it, and isn't afraid to say so. The lyrics are wry and self-aware, poking fun at the very notion of being an indie rock band in 2023. It's a joke they're all too familiar with, but one that never loses its edge.
If Selling a Vibe was an album by someone else, it would be hailed as a masterpiece. But given the Cribs' history, it's just another great addition to their canon – a testament to their enduring spirit and their refusal to grow up. As they sing on Brothers Won't Break, after all this time holding the line, we weren't ever going to leave it... we'll keep it from an honest place.
And that's precisely what they're doing – keeping it real, one song at a time.
While their peers were busy chasing mainstream success, the Cribs maintained a studious detachment from the indie rock scene's flashier moments. They were always more in tune with the "proper indie" tradition, where artistic freedom was paramount and commercial ambitions were tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism. It's an ethos that has served them well over the years, allowing them to maintain a loyal cult following without ever sacrificing their independence.
On Selling a Vibe, this approach is on full display. The album deals in familiar territory – jangly guitars, catchy hooks, and a drum machine-infused beat that underpins tracks like A Point Too Hard to Make and Rose Mist. But it's the songwriting that truly sets this album apart. Lyrically, the Cribs are as rueful-eyed as ever, but now they're tempered by experience. They've been through the wars, and their songs reflect a newfound sense of contentment – even if that means acknowledging that some experiences are best left behind.
Take Distractions, for example. Here, we find a band that knows exactly what it does, how to do it, and isn't afraid to say so. The lyrics are wry and self-aware, poking fun at the very notion of being an indie rock band in 2023. It's a joke they're all too familiar with, but one that never loses its edge.
If Selling a Vibe was an album by someone else, it would be hailed as a masterpiece. But given the Cribs' history, it's just another great addition to their canon – a testament to their enduring spirit and their refusal to grow up. As they sing on Brothers Won't Break, after all this time holding the line, we weren't ever going to leave it... we'll keep it from an honest place.
And that's precisely what they're doing – keeping it real, one song at a time.
gotta respect their vibe (pun intended) on this new album, selling a vibe... they're still doing indie rock right, even if the scene has changed around them 
. it's like they've been keeping to themselves while everyone else was getting all flashy 
. i love how they poke fun at themselves and the whole "indie band" thing on tracks like distractions 
. also, joe thorne's voice is still giving me life 
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! The Cribs have always been true to themselves and their art, and this album is no exception. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still got that signature Cribs sound we all know and love - distorted guitars and catchy hooks for days 
. But what really sets it apart is the maturity in their songwriting. It's like they're looking back on past experiences with a sense of contentment and humor 
. I'm especially loving "Distractions" right now - it's such a great commentary on being an indie rock band, even if you are feeling like you've been there done that before 
. The Cribs are definitely still holding the line for their art and their fans 
I'm loving how The Cribs are still killing it with their 22nd album! Their subtlety is so underrated - it's like they're having this deep conversation with you through the music 
. And can we talk about how raw and honest their songwriting is? I mean, I've had my share of teenage angst to deal with, but these guys are on a whole other level 
. It's amazing how they're still holding onto that "proper indie" vibe while others have been chasing mainstream success. The Cribs are definitely an inspiration - even at their age, they're still rocking it 
. I'm not surprised this album is getting lost in the mix though... there's just so much great music out there 
i mean, its not suprising that theyre still killin the indie rock scene after 22 yrs, but this album takes it to another level... theyve always been about keepin it real and makin music from the heart, and thats exactly what they're doin here. Distractions is my fave track tho, like whoa theyre just so self aware of themselves its hilarious 
did you guys know that the drummer left the band like 5 years ago?
. I love how they stay true to themselves and don't try to chase the trends. It's refreshing to hear an indie band that actually means what they say, you know? Their songwriting is so much more mature now too, like they're not afraid to show their emotions but also keep it real 
! Distractions is a standout track, I love the self-aware humor 
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! THEY'VE MANAGED TO CRAFT SOMETHING SO DEEP AND MATURE WITHOUT EVER CHANGING WHO THEY ARE AS BANDS. IT'S LIKE THEY'RE TALKING DIRECTLY TO YOU, FELLOW MUSIC LOVERS, WITH LINES THAT FEEL BOTH PERSONAL AND RELATABLE