I’ve spent the past day deliberating over how quite to transcribe such a special evening into words, and I’m yet to find a way to do the Jarman brothers justice … but here we go.
Not too long ago, Wakefield’s premier mid-fi indie outfit The Cribs announced an ‘Old Skool’ gig at the intimate Oval Space in East London. Promising an evening of no tracks written post-2006, this gig already set itself up as spectacular, and we sure as hell weren’t let down by the trio.
With quite late running times, the support act for the evening, Saint Leonard’s Horses, rocked up on stage at 8.45. Playing slow, acoustic-style crooning tracks, they weren’t quite fit for a raucous Cribs gig, with the crowd drifting in and out of interest. While I’m sure Saint Leonard’s Horses would be excellent at their own gig, a set before one of the most mental live bands wasn’t exactly ideal for their slow-burning slot.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOEjGV1ey3U&w=720&h=422]
Anyway, with the support act finished, the atmosphere began to build as the venue filled and filled to the brim with eager fans. Finally joining the already overheated fans, the beloved Jarman bros made their way through the crowd and clocked in at 9.45 for a proper raw setlist – something I for one have longed for since discovering The Cribs 3 or 4 years ago.
Nothing short of special, The Cribs opened with setlist staple Mirror Kissers, sending the crowd straight into a frenzy of mindless pushing and jumping while screaming those lyrics right back at the band through the constant flow of inescapable sweat and thrown beer. Gearing up for an evening of pure retro Cribs, we were greeted by an intertwinement of tracks from their self-titled debut album, and their second album The New Fellas including the lesser played Things You Should Be Knowing, It Was Only Love, and I’m Alright Me.
Of course, the lovely Cribs wouldn’t just stop at album tracks; instead, we were spoiled with surprise B-sides in the form of Saturday Night Facts of Life, To Jackson, and I’m Still Blaming You. Utter magic. Without forgetting the heart-wrenching Another Number, the Jarmans left the adoring crowd in a state of jubilation as they then launched into final track of the evening, The Wrong Way To Be from 2005’s The New Fellas. Triumphantly exiting the stage (as per usual), us fans were left to wring out our sweat-drenched clothing, and ponder at such a beautiful gig-come-celebration of the UK’s most unsung indie band.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VNvpUxz_hQ&w=720&h=422]
T-shirt bought and setlist acquired, I made my way for the exit; bewildered and forlorn after the sweatiest and most ethereal gig I’ve ever had the pleasure of going to.
The Cribs played:
Mirror Kissers
Direction
I’m Alright Me
You’re Gonna Lose Us
Lights Went Out
It Was Only Love
Things You Should Be Knowing
You Were Always The One
Martell
Saturday Night Facts Of Life
We Can No Longer Cheat You
I’m Still Blaming You
What About Me?
To Jackson
Hey Scenesters!
Another Number
The Wrong Way To Be
Words by Jasmin Robinson, feature image by Caroline Quinn