Rob’s Album Of The Week: The Cribs’ Night Network

Even though we’d all love to experience it, there’s no such thing as a smooth sailing career. Despite how much success one can achieve in their professional life, there’s always going to be a snag along the way that holds everything up. How the snag is dealt with is important and it often defines the career in its entirety. That’s what British indie rock act The Cribs encountered when they spent three years in an abysmal state due to the brothers Gary, Ryan & Ross Jarman trying to move on from their management. Rather than call it quits, they decided to push on through and then release their eighth album, Night Network, via their own label at Sonic Blew on November 20.

In turn, this new release brings a fresh perspective. Akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, this power trio are anew with different takes on their adopted art form. They’re not afraid to lean towards Britpop and they’re also not afraid to turn up the amplification and let it rip. It’s a reintroduction to a band that says “We’re still here and we’ve never left” while also conveying a new lease on life. There’s a certain amount of liberation that’s present in terms of vibe and aesthetic, which is exactly how The Cribs should approach things after what they’ve had to deal with.

As of press time, Thanksgiving is happening tomorrow but please don’t pass the COVID-19. My…