The Cribs - Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever

One of the most intriguing artist/producer collaborations of this millennium so far, has to be the three Jarman brothers of Wakefield who form The Cribs, teaming up with Mr Franz Ferdinand himself, Alex Kopranos.

Immediately, through our Our Bovine Public the impact of the latter personality sticks out, as the coarse, almost shouting style of Ryan Jarman is coated by a slick and funky sound that builds up the atmosphere in between the terse cries. The streetwise nature of the band of old is still as prevalent, but there is more searching done through this third album, something that is drawn out early on in Girls Like Mystery.

The pronounced, twining bass lines of Gary Jarman lend a bluesy feel to Moving Pictures. This vibe is also given off through the slower, creaking vocals and the impression is given that the brothers Jarman, wish to highlight what they have to say a bit more. Indeed, their social commentary is as succinct and blunt as ever. I’m A Realist is a case in point;

I’m a realist, I’m a romantic, I’m an indecisive, I’m an indecisive: piece of shit.

Greater attention has been paid to mood setting in this full length foray. More vocal variety and slow building percussion is a particular feature, lifting Major’s Tilting Victory up a notch. Trundling guitars nudge the slow building, desperate cry of I’ve Tried Everything along, it is an approach that builds neatly into their customary bemused and rising chorus.

A laboured jangle still forms the fulcrum of the bulk of the songs, but it has been spiced up through the production and some neat percussion jangles provide a neat contrast. My Life Before My Eyes coasts proudly as the flagship for this newer approach. A Baz Luhrman and Lazy B style takes over for Be Safe, as spoken word verses dissect humanity with precision before the punk fuelled chorus kicks in.

With potential revellers the country over compiling their must-see bands at festivals lists. The Cribs serve a reminder of their potency, force and a more attentive approach to song structure that will see them happily added to many lists.

Track Listing:

01. Our Bovine Public
02. Girls Like Mystery
03. Men's Needs (watch the video)
04. Moving Pictures
05. I'm A Realist
06. Major's Titling Victory
07. Women's Needs
08. I've Tried Everything
09. My Life Flashed Before My Eyes
10. Be Safe
11. Ancient History
12. Shoot The Poets