COMING SOON…#sonicblewclassics pic.twitter.com/nWfhQJaV2f

— The Cribs (@thecribs) May 23, 2022

If you had to make an educated guess, one could assume that the teaser is alluding to a limited-edition re-issue of their self-titled debut, and maybe even more. As the images pop up during the snippet, it’s pretty clear to any big fan of the band’s early work that we’re getting some extra content regarding the band’s first LP. Then as the album’s artwork fades out, and the Sonic Blew Classics logo comes in with the colour palette of the debut… are we due a couple of reissues from the band’s back catalogue? Maybe a collectors club releasing more limited releases from back in the day? Think along the same lines as Third Man Records’ member’s Vault Package. The perfect place to bag any Third Man-based records, posters, and pretty much any other memorabilia. None of this is confirmed might I add. But the name Sonic Blew ClassicS (with an S) really implied some longevity to this reissue.

Last August when the singles club was first announced, Jarman explained the reasoning behind the situation as such, “Back in the day, we were always a band that were known for our B-sides – a concept that is pretty much irrelevant nowadays…we know that the fans miss this, so setting up the Sonic Blew Singles Club seemed like the ideal solution – we get to clear the vaults, and people get a guaranteed new single plus B-side every month.” While we may no longer be talking specifically about unheard B-sides from their most recent project, I see no reason why the same principle cannot be applied to a new, revamped version of their debut, but now with all the fan favourite B-sides and rarities as a part of a standalone package. Seems like every record collector’s dream if you ask me.

According to a press release, The Cribs’ bassist and singer Gary Jarman talked at length about “Things Could Be Better” saying: “This song is a true full-band effort – it required all 3 of the brothers to make it happen. I originally started work on the track back in 2011, whilst we were writing “In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull”. It was supposed to be an anniversary present for my wife (who was away on tour at the time). Unfortunately, around that time a friend of ours was involved in an accident and ended up in the ICU, and so I shelved the song indefinitely due to the sad memories that became attached to it.

Later, on the last day of the “Night Network” sessions in LA, Ross insisted that we bring the song back and try recording it last minute before leaving the studio. I was pretty reluctant, but he eventually talked me around.

Then, Ryan stepped in and took responsibility for writing the lyrics and singing the lead – and turned it into something way better than I ever could’ve imagined. So, despite spending over a decade gathering dust, I am really proud of how this song eventually came into being. It’s pretty special.”

The new single, along with the rest of the band’s musical catalogue, is available via all streaming services.

Prior to the band’s contributions to Sonic Blew Singles Club, the band released their eighth studio album Night Network last year, which received universal acclaim from both fans and critics, with NME calling it “Their best album in a decade”,

The Cribs will be embarking on a rescheduled tour of the UK in March 2022. The band has stated that any tickets purchases for the tour prior to the rescheduling will still be valid. Tickets are available here, and the dates are listed down below.

01/02/2022– O2 Institute – Birmingham
02/02– Waterfront – Norwich
04/02 – O2 Academy – Sheffield
06/02– Academy 1 – Manchester
08/02 – Boiler Shop – Newcastle
09/02– SWG3 – Glasgow
11/02 – Roundhouse – London
12/02– Chalk – Brighton
13/02 – The Marble Factory – Bristol

Photo Credit: Press Release