I was very sceptical of Johnny Marr joining a band that I had only fairly recently grown to love. Not that I am questioning the talent and musical prowess of the legendary Smiths guitarist, I just wondered whether there would be any chemistry between him and the Cribs, on a musical level at least.
On their new single, Cheat On Me, its evident it was in fact a good idea to get Marr on board. His influence is quite noticeable, particularly during the verses where his unique guitar playing style is given room to breathe, whereas the chorus echoes the Cribs sound we are more familiar with accompanied by a screeching sing-along.
Cheat on Me performed live at St George’s Hall, Bradford UK
The Cribs are one of the best bands in the country at the moment and seem to be going from strength to strength on each album they release. Based on the strength of this new track I can’t see them breaking that momentum now.
As far as lead singles go, it’s a bit subtler than what we’re used to from them, perhaps even a bit more mature, but it’s by no means a disappointment. “It’s a grower” is a phrase used far too often by some too polite to put down a song, but in this case it’s genuinely a fitting description, it’ll get you on the third spin.
Matt Humphrey