The following article was contributed by new writer Callye Morrissey (welcome Callye!):
After being hailed as “The biggest cult band in the UK” by Q magazine this year, the siblings Jarman, otherwise known as The Cribs, returned to Philly to play to a packed house at the North Star Bar. The threesome, which includes front man twins Gary and Ryan, swiftly played through their set, which was mostly made up of current UK hits from “Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever.” Songs from their previous two albums were also thrown in, but it was mainly the current material that got the crowd moving. Guitarist Ryan Jarman attempted to converse with the crowd, but most meaning was lost due to his thick English accent. At one point in between songs, he commented on the house music being played during their set. “I don’t mean to be a primadonna or anything, but that’s just kind of rude.” The house track was promptly turned off.
Unfortunately, the same wasn’t done for opener Jeffery Lewis, who played his last song while house music played quietly behind him. Despite technical issues, though, The Cribs were supported by two strong, yet very different acts. The aforementioned Lewis, who has recently toured with Kimya Dawson and Super Furry Animals played a comical, yet politically savvy set, complete with projected slides of his animation to go along with certain songs. Lewis, who is usually backed by a band, only shared the stage with Helen Schreiner on keys and vocals. The highlight of his performance was during a song called “Creeping Brain,” complete with a series of his drawings projected behind him.
The standout performance of the night was Syracuse, NY sextet Ra Ra Riot, a band with enough strings for a mini-orchestra. Aside from the typical instrument setup, Ra Ra Riot’s electric violinist Alexandra Lawn and cellist Rebecca Zeller rounded out the indie pop tunes perfectly. With more energy than a full-sized orchestra, it’s no wonder that Ra Ra Riot made a commotion at South by Southwest this year. Cellist Zeller rocked out with her standup cello without missing a beat and band members were consistently all over the stage. Vocalist Wesley Miles relentlessly jumped between center stage and his keyboard, which was placed precariously on the end of the stage. Maneuvering through five people on a small stage seems like impossibility, but Ra Ra Riot did it with finesse and ease.
Overall, three very different acts, but it worked. The next time The Cribs visit Philly, they will surely play a larger venue. Catch them when it happens!
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