The Cribs played at The Engine Rooms on the 12th January 2018, supported by YONAKA
The opening night of the 24-7 Rockstar Shit Tour headed by The Cribs was an electric amalgamation of dreamscapes and androgyny alike. Playing along the docks, the band hosted a nearly sold out raging crowd of Indie fans.
The Glaswegian, PAWS blessed the opening hour with a fantastic 3-piece thrash that grew on the crowd, American East Coast Pop-Punk soundscapes buzzing from their strings . Following, the wonderful Brighton 5-piece alt-pop group, Yanaka; pumped the grungy den. Lead singer, Theresa donned the stage, stalking in an empowered trance through songs. Her voice climbing and falling like a falcon - equaled by the band, working up a sweaty storm that fed the rooms appetite for the headliner.
The three bands seem to have a great connection already, their shared desire for gender equality is central in The Cribs music, due to this, it was no stranger to see a similar theme posed by the opening acts attitudes' and presence. Entering to dim lights and clanger-like music, The Cribs quickly erupted. This, I feel, is only apparent in passionate and emancipated performers, they embody their music, floating around in tiny spaces, as if their performance can grant them wings.
The message was clear and proud; "everyone is entitled to feel loved and experience the wonder of emotion."
The Cribs speak of a life as omnipresent, a series of experiences that run deeper than in music. They highlight those that are present and bursting with energy, sparkling with deep bass, it's prevalent within their sound:
"As reviews go, this was a graceful first concert of 2018 - full of indie extravagance and prowess." - POST-gig Youth
It sent shivers down my spine, observing the hooliganism occuring at the front of the audience. We Share the Same Skies was the opening track and instantly the whole audience jeered along with the guitar riff. They proceeded with a similar sing-along style set, playing all the biggest tunes from their discography. Come On and Be a No One and Men’s Needs we’re received similarly, the crowd sounded like a football audience.
Exhibiting their new album went down a treat, appreciated by all. As usual, you can expect bigger tracks among-st older classics, an ritualistic nostalgic effect for the die hard's.
The best track was their rendition of Be Safe with a projection of the original clip of Sonic Youth’s, Lee Ranaldo, his speech about modern hardship displayed on the back wall.
It plateau the concert and spoke bounds about the attitude of the Grunge Rock subculture.
The Cribs and support now travel the UK spreading their messages of solidarity against mainstream culture.
At the weekend, Oxford, Cardiff next before blistering through the North where they will undoubtedly deliver intimate sets to fans from their home regions.
We @ Total Scoop thank the Jarman Bros for the experience.