The Cribs 'Ignore The Ignorant' (Wichita) Released 07/09/09

Earlier this year, two right wing politicians from the British National Party won seats in the European Parliament. One of them, Andrew Brons, gained his seat in the Yorkshire and Humber area. Aside from repulsing the rest of the UK, those who voted in Yorkshire and Humber began to wonder which of their own voted for a return to the radical right wing politics of the past.

Leeds’ favourite sons The Cribs were among them. So angered were they by this development that they reactively named their new album ‘Ignore the Ignorant’ in protest against the BNP.

It’s hardly believable that this was the same band that saw their singer hospitalised twice in a night in 2006 for jumping onto a table full of glass to celebrate an award they hadn’t even won. A lot has changed in three years, not least the brothers Jarman growing up and becoming a band with a lot more to say than simply slagging off scenesters. Like the Arctic Monkeys, they have developed an edgy, darker side which might polarise opinion.

‘Ignore the Ignorant’ is also a grand stage for Johnny Marr, formerly of the Smiths, and now an official Crib. The Smiths influence is particularly evident in both ‘Last Year’s Snow’ and ‘Save your Secrets’ which are more tenderly produced and delivered than we’re used to from the Cribs.

The punk-rock edge remains with stand out tracks ‘We Were Aborted’ and ‘Ignore the Ignorant’. The former blasts out a memorable riff laced with pent up aggression while the latter focuses upon Jarman’s lyrics. “I’m throwing England to the dogs…to be in the right, I’d give my life” is a refreshingly honest approach to the political issues they fight against.

There’s still time for some curveballs though, not least the 6 minute epic ‘City of Bugs’ which sinks to the grimey, scuzzy depths of indie before leaping back out with an enlightening chorus. ‘Stick to Yr Guns’ strips it all back and leaves just Jarman’s Yorkshire croon on show with a backing track of gentle guitar strums. It’s the perfect finale for an album packed with surprise and invention.

‘Ignore the Ignorant’ is barely recognisable from their eponymous debut or ‘The New Fellas’ sharp-punk style but it’s a necessary step for the continuation of the journey the band are on. Hats off to the Cribs for having the balls to take on proper issues and write inventive music which may not sell as well but will undoubtedly distinguish them for years to come.