Album Review: The Cribs-For All My Sisters

What's A Man Without His Sisters?

The Cribs: For All My Sisters
(9.1/10)

The Jarman brothers are back! The Cribs, who formed in 2001, are back from a 3 year hiatus. The band consists of 3 brothers: Ryan, Gary, and Ross Jarman who are some of indie pop's finest song writers in the game. The Cribs have had an extremely big impact on my life because of their first three records: The Cribs, The New Fellas, and Men's Needs, Women's Needs Whatever. For me these records beautifully blend elements of abrasive punk with catchy indie pop melodies. The songs feel so badass, but they still leave you singing for hours after. Those albums have stayed in my listening rotation for years upon years. Around this band's fourth record they started trying a lot more things. Ignore The Ignorant saw the addition of Johnny Marr, which helped the band add a second, dirtier layer to their songs. This album was another fantastic addition to their career, but it did not hit classic status for me. Their follow up to that album, In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull, is their most abrasive and challenging record yet. This album saw the band coming back as brothers after the departure of Johnny Marr. This record showed The Cribs could still make a classic record, and for me it was another step in the right direction. This record was stellar to me, so my hopes for this one were high. Let just say, For All My Sisters does not disappoint.

This album showcases a more poppy side of the band, but that's not a bad thing at all. These songs still rock, but now the tunes are more catchy than ever. Exquisite guitar riffs, catchy choruses, and loads energy help propel this album to extreme heights. The opener Finally Free showcases this energy really well. The track starts out with loud crashes before it bursts into a groovy guitar and vocal led song. The song feels like a vintage cribs song, and I have absolutely no complaints there. The next track, Different Angle, has one of the best Cribs' guitar riffs to date. The song is so catchy and would fit easily on any of those first three records. I do think this song is a little bit repetitive, but whatever, it's not a huge deal. Burning For No One is a dancy, yet punchy Cribs track. This track didn't hook me at first, but it's laid back feel really draws you in eventually. I think that the lyrics here are also pretty awesome. Gary likens himself to a candle on a table burning for nobody. This sounds kind of lame, but it's actually an amazing, catchy chorus. Mr. Wrong uses the classic Ric Ocasek synth tone. This tune's chorus destroys, but the rest kind of feels like a B-Side from Brazen Bull. Still no complaints though. I would never skip this song, and I love the Weezer-ish vibes I get from this tune. An Ivory Hand was the lead single from this album, and I loved it instantaneously. It's got a some pretty interesting lyrics, and it sounds exactly like Susanne by Weezer (not an insult). The song is a lot more than a Weezer rip-off though. I think it's got that Cribs charm we've all come to love. I think this song also does not really sound like anything The Cribs have ever done before, so yeah Bravo! Simple Story is a cool stripped back song featuring Ryan and his guitar primarily. I love this track. It feels so human and emotionally, and it sounds good on a record that sometimes feels almost too polished for The Cribs. Ryan has always been my favorite member of the band and this is why. I feel he conveys the most emotion through music, and I think that the band is so real for him. Anyways, this is a fantastic track! City Storms sounds like a classic Cribs song, but the chorus is a little bit overly generic for me. Regardless another great track, and the distorted vocals are a nice touch. Pacific Time is one my favorites! It is a slow burner that doesn't move much, but it also builds nicely and overall the singing sounds great! This is another unique Cribs track that can't really be compared to anything else they've done. Summer Of Chances feels like something off Men's Needs. This song is possibly my favorite song. It's got some pretty thought provoking lyrics and it has a little more edge to it than a lot these songs. Another ace song. Diamond Girl is unbelievably catchy! It might be my least favorite on here, but honestly it's not bad at all. This song sounds like a throwback 80s pop-rock song in a very good way. It doesn't have much edge, but it's honest and it still is pretty good. Spring On Broadway is an amazing penultimate track. The instrumentation starts out accoustic, but then goes fuller with an electric full band sound. This one also is reminiscent of their last album. Not the catchiest tune on here, but there's a lot of substance on this song. Pink Snow is a stone cold classic closer. It's a 7 minute song that perfectly describes the band. It rotates in between soft, somber parts into loud shout choruses. The song is also the most abrasive song on here. Although the pop sound is nice, I still love to see The Cribs rocking out. Overall the record wraps up beautifully and I think this thing is another classic album.

I will say I have a couple complaints though. This thing never really pushes past mid-tempo which bothers me. They used to play these faster songs that just seemed so lively! Another thing is that the album is too clean. The Cribs are meant to have a little dirt on their sound. I think Ocasek did a great job, but there's obviously my preferences. Still, this record is unbelievable. Another milestone moment in the career of this band. After 3 years this band gave us something even their sisters will love. It's great to have this band back! 14 years in and it feels like they aren't finished yet! The brothers reached deep on this one and connected to themselves (their sisters). I have to say this is a top-tier Cribs record that will not be forgotten anytime soon.