The Cribs, O2 Academy Sheffield

The Cribs are definitely a band that suffer from the success of their second album 'The New Fellas'. 'Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever' almost makes it, but it's musically and lyrically a bit too polished for my liking (and hearing 'Men's Needs' belted out by lager-swigging students at one too many an indie disco probably doesn't help). Since then, 'Ignore the Ignorant' and 'In the Belly of the Brazen Bull ' haven't really registered on my radar, and the the addition of Johnny Marr to the band's line up seems to have been more of a guest appearance than a significant musical decision. The last time I saw them live was probably Reading Festival 2009, and before that Coventry's annual free event Godiva Festival in 2007 (from experience, when decent bands end up there its usually not a good sign for them). I would't go as far as to describe myself as a former Cribs fan, but I'm definitely out of the loop.

I've always loved the band's dynamic; the Jarman twins Gary and Ryan sharing lead vocals and younger brother Ross on drums. Their relationship seems about as far removed from the likes of the Gallagher brothers, I can't ever imagine them scrapping over cocaine and groupies. This closeness of this tight-knit band is reflected in their performance. The Cribs retain the swagger and spontenaity of punk without resorting to making a load of racket; they are underatted as musicians.

Tonight was the eve of Halloween; the stage at the O2 Academy was decorated in a fittingly spooky style (complete with lit pumpkins), and the sounds of 1980s horror movie soundtracks filled the gaps between bands. Then came the sound of Kiss: cue the band in full fancy dress, including Ryan dressed as Paul Stanley and Ross as Freddy Kruger (and former Nine Black Alps man David Jones as some kind of robot-cow).

While they might have two singers, Ryan still seems to prefer the limelight to bassist Gary, despite recent personal setbacks he seemed to have no trouble stepping into the role of frontman. They played a set full of hits old and new, personal highlights were 'Our Bovine Public', unexpected oldie 'It Was Only Love' and of course 'The Wrong Way To Be'. Newer singles 'Come On, Be a No-One' and 'Chi-Town' went down a storm. The Cribs might be older and wiser but they certainly still have the energy and gratitude they started out with. They also still have a massive fanbase, as I discovered to my distain after being stood next to a group of girls shouting for obscure B-Sides all night (shut up and let them play the hits...).

The Cribs have never claimed to be trendsetters (in fact they often seem to prefer it that way!), and while they might not be breaking new ground in terms of songwriting, they can still show newer bands a thing or two about putting on a gig that's fun, self-assured and unashamedly rock and roll. (And still more Northern than killing your brother's kestrel)

November 30th 2012 @ O2 Academy, Sheffield.