The Cribs – Selling A Vibe: 22 years on, Pop punk stalwarts back with riff on their winning formula (album review)

It’s been 22 years since The Cribs self-titled debut album dropped, in an era that offered indie kids a plethora of radio friendly, indie dancefloor classics. Think skinny jeans, dodgy haircuts, leather jackets, trilby hats and scuffed Converse chucked into a melting pot along with the introduction of social media and, in particular, Myspace. 

Many of the bands from this era have since fallen on their swords or bounced back (Alan Patridge style) with recent album anniversaries. The fact that The Cribs are still going strong and bringing in 2026 with album number nine highlights their winning formula of pop punk melodies that has ensured the Yorkshire trio’s longevity.

Opener ‘Dark Luck’ has that familiar fuzzy guitar stop-start sound that feels unique to the band along with the instantly recognisable salvo of vocals from Gary and Ryan Jarman. There’s hints of The Strokes on the title track ‘Selling a Vibe’ while ‘A Point Too Hard to Make’ is the standout, a mighty guitar pop gem that holds up with their best work.

‘Summer Seizures’ was the first taste we got of this album back in August of last year and this is as catchy as it gets and the epitome of a Cribs single. Glorious punchy vocals with the backdrop of dreamy guitar hooks, it’s almost perfect. 

The closing track ‘Brothers Won’t Break’ offers a reflection on the band’s relationship and highlights their unity is as strong as ever ‘Be like brothers / Don’t ever break’. The Cribs are back and it seems they are here to stay!