The Cribs – For All My Sisters

Gonna Have to Be a Man Someday

It seems like the UK has a lot of “cult” bands, groups that aren’t very popular but have a die-hard following and strong fan base. This is the case for Yorkshire, England-based rock group, The Cribs, a trio consisting of three brothers. However, for the band’s sixth album, they are going for an increase in that fan base. For All My Sisters contains 12 rock songs that could easily be played on your local alt-rock radio station. Also, they don’t have any actual sisters.

You won’t hear much lo-fi in For All My Sisters compared to some of their earlier work, like 2005’s The New Fellas. Instead, you’ll hear a bigger, catchier, more powerful sound. These songs were made to be played for a bigger audience. Opener “Finally Free” has similarities to a Weezer song (although no one could ever accurately imitate Rivers Cuomo), which can absolutely be attributed to the fact that the brothers worked with Ric Ocasek, who you either know as a band member of The Cars, or the producer responsible for Weezer’s own Blue Album, among a slew of other credits.

That’s not to say each song is a typical, over-produced radio train wreck. And both Gary and Ryan’s (they’re twins) accents add a little grit. “An Ivory Hand,” while it clearly sounds like another Weezer riff, is still one that stands out due to its slower tempo and ballad-like anthem. And “Simple Story” slows it down too while keeping it, well, simple, with younger brother Ross quiet on the drums and keeping the guitar to a couple chords.

For All My Sisters safely falls somewhere between not too pop, not too lo-fi, not too indie and not too punk. But that’s the thing — is it too safe?