This UK indie rock band was formed in 2002 by twin brothers Gary Jarman (b. 20 October 1980, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England; bass/vocals) and Ryan Jarman (b. 20 October 1980, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England; guitar/vocals) and their younger sibling Ross Jarman (b. Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England; drums). The trio made their debut at the start of 2003 with the Jen Schande split single, a Squirrel Records release that featured the Cribs performing the tracks "Baby Don't Sweat" and "You & I". The two songs later found their way onto the trio's self-titled debut album, albeit in re-recorded versions. Released on the leading UK independent label Wichita Records, the album was unfortunately overlooked in a glut of similar product, despite boasting some great lo-fi indie rock songs.
The Jarman brothers' career was boosted by their association with the popular Leeds-based band the Kaiser Chiefs, with whom they toured at the start of 2005. Boosted by some timely words of encouragement from the Kaiser Chiefs, the trio reached the UK Top 30 for the first time later in the year with two great singles, "Hey Scenesters!" and "Mirror Kissers". The attendant album, The New Fellas, was as roughly recorded as their debut, despite Edwyn Collins sitting in the producer's chair. The album featured, in addition to the two singles, the fabulous "I'm Alright, Me" with its endearing refrain of "Take drugs! Don't eat! Have contempt for those you meet!".
After completing tours with the Kaiser Chiefs and Maxïmo Park, the Cribs worked with Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos on their third album, the snappily titled Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever. Kapranos helped rein in the band's more sloppy recording habits, and in the process created one of 2007's best indie rock releases. From the driving, catchy opening track "Our Bovine Public", through the grungy Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) collaboration "Be Safe", to the acoustic closer "Shoot The Poets", the Cribs explored a much wider sonic palette with wit and invention.
