The Cribs' Selling a Vibe shows seasoned indie confidence

Alexis Petridis reviews the Cribs' ninth album Selling a Vibe, noting a faint 1980s pop sheen alongside the band's familiar distorted guitars and confident songwriting; the article also reports the band reclaimed the rights to their first five albums.

The Cribs have released their ninth album, Selling a Vibe, which Alexis Petridis reviews as this week's album. The record pairs the band's established sound of distorted guitars and sharp songs with a subtle 1980s pop sheen in places. Lyrically it looks back on the band's past, touching on legal disputes and the loss of youthful innocence. The album was produced by Patrick Wimberly, known for his work with Chairlift and associations with Caroline Polachek. Key points: - Selling a Vibe is the Cribs' ninth album and continues their recognizable indie rock approach. - The record was produced by Patrick Wimberly, formerly of Chairlift. - Tracks such as "A Point Too Hard to Make" and "Rose Mist" introduce lighter 80s pop touches and a drum-machine pulse while keeping punchy, guitar-led arrangements. - Several songs address the band's past, including references to a legal battle; the article notes the band regained the rights to their first five albums. - The album closes with "Brothers Won't Break," a song that reflects on fraternal bonds and emotional honesty. - The Cribs have continued to place albums in the UK Top 10 well after their mid-2000s peak. Summary: The album reinforces the Cribs' reputation as enduring figures in indie rock, balancing refined production with the direct songwriting that defined their earlier work. Its reflective lyrics underline past struggles while ending on a note of fraternal resilience. Undetermined at this time.