The Cribs officially share their brand new single “Never The Same” today as the final preview of the highly anticipated album ‘Selling A Vibe’ arriving this Friday, January 9. The track immediately entered the A-list at BBC 6 Music following its radio debut with Steve Lamacq. This streamlined composition reflects a return to the original approach of the band by focusing on a fast, short, and stylish arrangement that trims away all excess. Lyrically, the song considers the concept of personal evolution and the complex feeling of missing a previous existence even after outgrowing it.
Gary Jarman noted that the track came together in just a few hours in Wakefield following a conversation about writing for other artists, yet the band became so attached to the result they kept it for their own record. This spontaneity resulted in a song that gets straight to the point without overthinking the technical structure. The accompanying music video marks a creative milestone as the band directed and edited the footage themselves using 8mm film captured during a tour of the United States. This candid visual documentation provides an honest look at life on the road and matches the raw energy of the music.
The dual vocal call-and-response remains a standout element that pairs perfectly with the chiming guitar layers. This record marks the first full length release from the group in over five years and follows the successful rollout of previous singles “Summer Seizures” and “A Point Too Hard To Make.” The band starts a run of release week instore and outstore shows across the UK tomorrow, January 8, before embarking on a massive headline tour in March. Most of these initial dates have already reached sold out status as the album release date approaches.
The sheer velocity of “Never The Same” proves that the band still possesses a sharp and restless creative edge.
Buy tickets for all shows HERE.
The Cribs – Instore + outstore release week shows
08 Jan – Circuit, Kingston, UK
09 Jan – Rough Trade East, London, UK – SOLD OUT
09 Jan – Rough Trade East, London, UK – SOLD OUT
10 Jan – Rough Trade, Liverpool, UK – SOLD OUT
10 Jan – Rough Trade, Liverpool, UK – SOLD OUT
11 Jan – Pie & Vinyl (signing), Southsea, UK
11 Jan – Papillon, Southampton, UK
12 Jan – Thekla, Bristol, UK – SOLD OUT
13 Jan – O2 Academy, Oxford, UK
14 Jan – The Parish, Huddersfield, UK
14 Jan – The Parish, Huddersfield, UK – SOLD OUT
15 Jan – Oran Mor, Glasgow, UK
15 Jan – Oran Mor, Glasgow, UK – SOLD OUT
The Cribs – UK headline tour
18 Mar – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, UK ^
20 Mar – Foundry, Sheffield, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)
21 Mar – Albert Hall, Manchester, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)
22 Mar – O2 Institute 1, Birmingham, UK ^
24 Mar – Rock City, Nottingham, UK ^
25 Mar – Tramshed, Cardiff, UK ^
27 Mar – Concorde 2, Brighton, UK ^
28 Mar – Concorde 2, Brighton, UK ^ (SOLD OUT)
11 Jul – Millennium Square, Leeds, UK
26 Jul – Truck Festival, Steventon, UK
^ = Support from Courting