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Album reviews Music

The Cribs – In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull

Rating: NNN


With production duties split between two of America’s most interesting producers, Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips) and Steve Albini (Godspeed You! Black Emperor), the Cribs’ fifth album could’ve taken some disparate, noisy and/or arty directions. But Brazen Bull is a cohesive, if lengthy, album that offers only occasional audio reminders of who was behind the board.

The Jarman brothers have grown up since their early days of youthful shouting and exuberant choruses. In other words, they can sing better and their songs are more intricate. Unfortunately, with each album they veer further away from the immediately hummable pop that won them attention in the first place.

That said, opener Glitters Like Gold is an obvious single, with a squall of introductory noise leading to one of the record’s strongest choruses. And songs like Jaded Youth and Chi-Town will make for fine summer listening.

Top track: Jaded Youth

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