Man was it good to finally catch The Cribs live again. Before last nights intimate showing at Mercury Lounge, the last time I caught the British trio was in 2007, a hearty eight years ago. A lot of time has passed since then, but The Cribs have stayed strong throughout, expanding their sound in more ways than I ever expected.
The Jarman brother trio are gearing up to release their brand new album (their sixth) For All My Sisters on March 24 via Arts & Crafts. The show at Mercury Lounge was their first show in New York in three years, and the first of a sold out three night run, with the other shows happening at Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right and Saint Vitus, on Friday and Saturday respectfully.
The night got started with a delightful set from Philadelphia’s Cold Fronts. The four-piece were anything but cold, instead delighting the crowd with a set of 80’s-inspired rock songs made for summertime listening in the car with the top down. I was surprised at how pleasing their set was. I’ll be keeping an eye on these guys for sure.
After not seeing The Cribs for so long, this felt like my first time all over again, especially considering the only time I’ve seen them was at a Festival. Haircuts aside, the Jarman brothers (as well as an additional guitarist who played on newer songs) amazingly looked quite similar as I remembered. But as musicians, these guys were even tighter live, while still keeping that loose care-free spark.
The show was meant to showcase the material off the new record, which included sunny California-made cuts like “An Ivory Hand,” “Different Angle,” and “Burning For No One.” But the classic material had equal footing last night, which became clear right from the get go as the fully charged “Mirror Kissers” opened the show. Everything that you’d want to hear at a Cribs show was played, with that same youthful enthusiasm that you’d remembered. We got “Martell,” “I’m A Realist,” “Hey Scenesters” and “Mens Needs.” I don’t think anyone left disappointed.
The Cribs put their all into every song, and the crowd reciprocated the effort by singing along whenever need be, and shouting out plenty words of love. The band appreciated a carefully timed “I love you” from the crowd, with Ryan Jarman warmly responding with “anyone that loves me and my brothers, me and my brothers love back.” It was a night of good tunes, and good vibes all around. The Cribs have gone on to prove that they’re a band in it for the long haul.
The show ended with “City Of Bugs” and before departing the stage Ryan chucked his guitar at his amp. It was the perfect way to close out the night, with the remnants of Ryan’s Tecate feeling the wrath of the rock and roll finale.
The Cribs Setlist:
1. Mirror Kissers
2. An Ivory Hand
3. Come On, Be A No-One
4. Different Angle
5. You Were Always The One
6. Another Number
7. Finally Free
8. Our Bovine Public
9. Martell
10. Burning For No-One
11. Glitters Like Gold
12. We Share The Same Skies
13. Pink Snow
14. I’m A Realist
15. Hey Scenesters!
16. Mens Needs
17. City Of Bugs
Cold Fronts:
The Cribs:
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