Single Review: The Cribs - Never Thought I'd Feel Again

After a three-year hiatus since their last album, The Cribs are back – and back with a bang. Few artists can manage to keep up their momentum after nearly 20 years on the scene, but if what we’ve heard from it so far is anything to go by, the band’s upcoming ninth album is set to be a cracker.

‘Never Thought I’d Feel Again’ is the latest release from the LP, and it’s a track that’s crackling with energy and brimming with emotion: in other words, it’s classic The Cribs. The song’s moving and relatable emotional core is disguised behind bright vocals from Gary Jarman, excellent guitar riffs from twin brother Ryan, and upbeat drumwork from younger brother Ross. The track has a strength and defiance to it that’s extremely welcome, and hammers home its message beautifully. 

But beneath those bold instrumentals lies a vulnerability that feels particularly rare for a group of male musicians who’ve been around as long as these guys have – and yet that’s what makes it so important. ‘Never Thought I’d Feel Again’ is about finally being able to bounce back after some serious emotional bruising. It’s about those feeling we never thought would resurface within us, but then we meet someone and suddenly everything seems okay again. There’s a tangible nervousness to Jarman’s voice in places, too, which makes perfect sense: for those of us who’ve been in this situation, it’s scary. But the boys don’t shy away from that fact: if anything, we’re left feeling optimistic by the time the song ends, hopeful that things work out for both the persona that Jarman creates and for ourselves. 

‘Never Thought I’d Feel Again’ is a great track that truly lives up to the legacy The Cribs have set themselves – fingers crossed the rest of Night Network does the same.

Words: Matt Taylor