After five years away where they reconnected as brothers and friends rather than bandmates, The Cribs are back with their ninth album ‘Selling a Vibe’. Produced by former Chairlift member Patrick Wimberly (Solange, Lil Yachty), the Jarmans have promised their most open and personal record to date…

‘Dark Luck’ opens the record with stop-start, scuzzy guitars and punky drums as the Jarmans sing about being scared ‘when it all comes down’. The title track follows with Sonic Youth vibes and humanistic yet melancholic lyrics: ‘The last thing that I need returns to us alive’. Recent single ‘A Point Too Hard to Make’ finds Ryan and Gary sharing vocals (and their hug in the video is enough to melt even the coldest heart) over new romantic-inspired synthy touches and a dose of honesty: ‘You know it was my mistake’.

‘Never the Same’ takes you back to The Cribs’ early albums with its rough and ready but charming hooks and group chanting while lead single ‘Summer Seizures’ established itself as an instant fans favourite with its singalong chorus and Guided by Voices-style hooks. ‘Looking for the Wrong Guy’ is opens with eerie atmospherics that make way for a lone guitar and a focus on the words: ‘Ain’t it a shame tomorrow finally came’. They then sing about someone in pain and an even more gut-wrenching admission: ‘If you’re looking for me, you’re looking for the wrong guy’.

‘If Our Paths Never Crossed’ continues with the US alt-rock feel, but combines this with a touch of anthemic glam – think a kind of beautiful blend of Manchester Orchestra and The Killers. ‘Self-Respect’ is more menacing with its deep bass line, questioning of intentions and learning lessons: ‘They’re holding out on me’. ‘You’ll Tell Me Anything’ opens with an operatic sample and some Cheap Trick power-pop riffs while ‘Rose Mist’ fits more in a shoegaze space as the brothers sing about not being able to come back from things.

‘Distractions’ is slower and inward looking, while the closing ‘Brothers Won’t Break’ is a proud and defiant ode to brotherly love and reconnection.