The Cribs know how to express their US alternative influences, as I’m a Realist shows. But they do it through their own voice and experiences, so that it’s hard to not take notice.

A build-up guitar intro and general sound that just screams bands like Replacements, R.E.M and Sonic Youth. They’re a band who could just as easily be passed off as just another modern British indie outfit, but listen closer and you’ll hear the voice of Paul Westerberg coming through.

The high melodies that sound ever-so-slightly down, matched by cynical lyrics about romance create a package that is more than just an attempt to jump on the bandwagon.

Ryan Jarman‘s lyrics; “I’m a realist / I’m a romantic / I’m an indecisive piece of shit” display the kind of honest spirit that brought greatness to the band. The chorus will sound instantly familiar to fans of New York legends Sonic Youth, whose Lee Ranaldo collaborated with The Cribs on Be Safe.

Ranaldo’s influence can be clearly heard as the chorus bursts through with an energy that manages to sound almost uncaring, matching the give-up lyrics of - “So you drink / Don’t wanna think / That’s cause your mind is already made up”.

However, despite being an excellent example of how to incorporate your influences into your own music, I’m a Realist has its faults. The quality takes a dip after the two-minute mark, as they delve into a break that sounds like an Ash rip-off and close out the song by singing “woahs” over the chorus riff. It’s all been done before and could really have done with just another run-through of the actual chorus lyrics.

The Cribs are certainly one of the best, if not the best modern indie band around. In a time when the idea of being “indie” sends shivers down spines, they certainly add some credibility to the term. However, they tread a thin line between being a 21st Century England version of ‘80s alternative and being just another generic indie band, sometimes wandering into the territory of the latter.