The Cribs with White Rabbits and Foreign Islands: Bowery Ballroom Aug. 9th 2007

Ah yes, those lovable Wakefield twins. Ryan and Gary Jarman might as well be the Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield of the indie rock scene. If Francine Pascal ever wrote the indie punk rock version of Sweet Valley High, it should star the Jarman brothers. For starters, the brothers are from Wakefield, and like they sing on the track, "I'm a Realist," Ryan is a "realist" and Gary is a "romantic," and they're both "indecisive pieces of shit."

The show at Bowery Ballroom started with Foreign Islands (who had some acrobatic mic work), and then White Rabbits came on for a brilliant, energetic set. Their sound is fresh and catchy and I'm sure they will make it big.



The Cribs opened up with "Major Titling's Victory" and Ross Jarman had some very impressive drum work. Guitarist Ryan Jarman was a favorite with the ladies up front who were how should we say... molesting his leg? In any case, he seemed to find it amusing. Of course he, and the rest of The Cribs were also drunk off their kiesters, which Sofiblu points out, doesn't explain the nimble and remarkably accurate guitar skills. We were both in the front for a few songs till the crazy moshers started attacking people. The Cribs sobered up briefly to keep the peace but by then, the damage was done. It would have been ironic and cool, if they pulled Lee Ranaldo out and did "Be Safe" which is spoken word poetry track featuring the legendary founder of Sonic Youth. The Jarmans provide the chorus. Nothing like the finger wagging of a rock legend to make people calm the fuck down.



I actually missed the part where they sort of put their heads on each other's necks, like two giraffes hugging (how else to explain it?) . It's just something they do. Precious.





Yeah, Ryan is playing the guitar by scraping it across the amp. You would think it has the same effect as stopping a wall with your face, but quite a fun way to end the show.

I listened to their album, Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever in its entirety today and I'm loving it. They played "Ancient History," at the show which is slowly growing to be my favorite track. "Shoot the Poets" is another favorite, and an unexpected way to end the album. The acoustic guitars show a softer side to the Jarmans, as if to make the point that despite the hype, their loyalty is to each other, and their hearts lie with Wakefield.

The Cribs- Ancient History (link expired)

The Cribs are playing another show tonight at Union Pool, Brooklyn. If anybody goes, I would love to hear how it went.