Live Review

The Cribs – Barrowlands, Glasgow

• 14th May 2012

Believe it or not The Cribs first entered our homes over ten years ago, but are still showing the newcomers how it’s done as their gig at Glasgow’s Barrowlands proved.

Touring with new album ‘In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull’, the Yorkshire brothers Gary, Ryan and Ross Jarman hadn’t been in Glasgow since their previous Barra’s show in October 2009, so their return had to be something special – and special it was.

Swaggering onto a darkened stage with an endearing middle-finger salute to the crowd, the band, who are now back to their original three-piece line-up, fired straight into the angsty ‘Chi-Town’, taken from the new album, and had the crowd bouncing off each other like you would normally find in a mosh-pit.

Keeping the momentum going with the anthemic ‘Hey Scenesters!’, the Barrowlands crowd were entertained with a few treats from the past including ‘Mirror Kissers’ and ‘Men’s Needs’, but this night was meant for the Brazen Bull. Bass-playing Gary’s vocals during the sentimental ‘Anna’ were a little strained when hitting the high-notes in the chorus, but it gave the song that extra bit of emotion it seemed to lack in the studio version.

The real treat of the night came in the form of ‘Don’t Believe In Me’, the b-side to ‘Come On, Be A No One’. With a dark purple stage and lights as twinkly as the guitar playing, The Cribs transported the audience from a state of turbulence to tranquility – arms were waving, couples were cuddling. A beautiful piece of music that relinquished a more fragile, romantic side of the Jarmans.

Replacing ex-Modest Mouse man Johnny Marr on support guitar was David Jones, who was affected with a few technical problems (at one point throwing his guitar off-stage). But the most noticeable thing seemed to be his lack of chemistry with the band. Too often he looked out of place, nudged to the side of the stage – yes he may only be a supporting Crib, but when he is given solos to play the audience should be able to see him showcase his talents as it is part of the spectacle of performing.

The Cribs’ return to Glasgow was chaotic, charming and will be celebrated by those who attended for months to come. Their swagger and confidence makes the Gallachers look like choirboys. The Cribs don’t put on a show, they remind you what a real gig is all about.