The Cribs at Bimbo's

Photo Cred: Ben Smith

"We're The Cribs from Wakefield, West Yorkshire!" was the emphatic introduction that twin lead singer, and yes as in twin like two but also they're twin brothers, Ryan Jarman gave the amped crowd at Bimbo's Wednesday night one song deep into their set. Not much has changed with The Cribs since I saw them last on tour in 2007. Death to hipsters attitude? Check. Leather jacket? Check. Snarling into the mic? Check. Johnny Marr? That's new. They were simply a trio of brothers when they were promoting The New Fellas but that was, like, two albums ago. Marr got sucked in the same way as most people did, hearing 'Hey Scenesters' on the radio but instead of admiring from afar Ryan suggested they cut an EP which lead to shows which lead to permanent Crib-dome. His appearance in the band has had a subtle yet positive influence on their sound which is on display on their newest effort, Ignore the Ignorant. Like the opener 'We Were Aborted', shows the band thinking more dimensionally.

Playing like there was no time to spare, they fired off 'Hey Scenesters' second, much to most's delight. Drummer/other brother inspired you to get into in by standing on his stool during this track, beating the ever loving life outta his snare. And as much as I was expecting some sort of, JOHNNY MARR! entrance alas no balloons or banners in his honor. I actually forgot to look for him playing his guitar nicely in the corner and partaking in on-stage banter when it was appropriate. Mainly it was Ryan and Gary's Ramones-y attitude coupled with Ross's drill sargent-like beat keeping that was occupying most of your attention. Even if they did miss a note here or there, their energy made up for it forging through most of Ignore the Ignorant and 'Mirror Kisses', gaining more momentum with each track. 'Be Safe' marked the near end of the show and kept it short and sweet with no encore.

Next stop for The Cribs, Coachella 2010.