Wakefield’s finest indie rockers The Cribs have had a turbulent few years. After rising to the top of the then-dominant indie scene in the mid-noughties with hits like Mens Needs, the Jarman brothers fell somewhat out of the limelight. Their last album, 2017’s 24-7 Rock Star Shit was a perfectly serviceable but slightly uninspired offering, but it was what came after the release of that record that threatened the outfit’s very existence.

In the immediate aftermath of the release of 24-7 Rock Star Shit, The Cribs parted ways with their management company, only to find themselves no longer in legal possession of the rights to their back catalogue. With the difficulties this posed, 2019 marked the first year the band – who were now managing themselves – didn’t play a live show since 2002 and Night Network marks their first new work long play in three years.

The band have spoken about this crisis and the genuine possibility that it could have forced them to disband. Thankfully with their legal issues now seemingly behind them, they decamped to the United States and the LA-based studio of none other than rock gods the Foo Fighters to work on their new material. And what new material it is.

Running Into You is a screeching, riotous affair that pushes the vocals to their rawest, while Screaming In Suburbia seems to confront some of the woes the band have endured (“Life is just a sad song / We’ve been singing it for too long”) and Deep Infatuation mixes some pounding drums with some beautifully scuzzy guitar riffs, It’s a bit of a throwback to the band’s earlier work, and a joyous one at that.

There are moments of real experimentation here too. Under The Bus Station Clock has an almost Motown feel to it, while Earl & Duke is a wonderfully mellow number, with hushed vocals and sweet melodies. Don’t panic though, She’s My Style, Siren Sing-Along, and I Don’t Know Who I Am – a collaboration with Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo – provide the trademark indie floor fillers the band is known for. The latter is a particular highlight, with its effects-laden guitars and soaring crescendo.

Night Network then is a triumph, not just musically, but as a testament to The Cribs’ perseverance and determination to carry on doing what they do best. It sure is good to have them back.

Night Network tracklist:

1. Goodbye

2. Running Into You

3. Screaming In Suburbia

4. Never Thought I’d Feel Again

5. Deep Infatuation

6. I Don’t Know Who I Am

7. She’s My Style

8. Under The Bus Station Clock

9. The Weather Speaks Your Name

10. Siren Sing-Along

11. Earl & Duke

12. In The Neon Night

Watch the official video for Never Thought I’d Feel Again here.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.