The Cribs Release ‘Gordon Raphael Sessions’ EP Featuring Early ‘Selling A Vibe’ Recordings

An exclusive glimpse into The Cribs’ ‘Selling A Vibe’ as raw and fresh as a morning melody.

The Cribs bringing their raw indie spirit to life

If you’ve been riding the wave of The Cribs’ latest album Selling A Vibe, then here’s a treat that’ll make your indie heart skip. The Wakefield trio has just dropped an EP dubbed the Gordon Raphael Sessions, featuring early recordings from the album’s initial sessions. These aren’t just alternate takes—they’re snapshots of songs in their purest, most spontaneous form.

The Story Behind the Sessions: A Journey to Pure Sound

The Cribs, known for their unmistakable indie grit and infectious melodies, released their ninth studio album Selling A Vibe last week via Sonic Blew/PIAS. The final album, polished and pop-tinged, was produced by Patrick Wimberley, a multi-talented artist who’s worked with the likes of Beyoncé and Ellie Goulding. But before that polished sheen, there was another story unfolding.

Initial sessions began in Leeds with Gordon Raphael, the legendary producer behind The Strokes’ iconic debut Is This It and its follow-up Room On Fire. If you’re a fan of that raw garage-rock vibe, Raphael’s touch brings a special edge.

Ryan Jarman, the band’s frontman, once shared how those early tracks “sounded great” but the band felt pulled toward something “less comfortable” — a more adventurous, pop-orientated direction under Wimberley’s guidance. Yet fans have been curious to hear those first recordings, and now, that wish has come true.

A Digital Deluxe Offering: Hear the Originals

On January 15, The Cribs announced on Instagram that they’d be releasing the Gordon Raphael Sessions as part of a digital deluxe version of Selling A Vibe. This EP offers a rare window into the songs as they were initially captured—raw, unfiltered, and laden with the energy of early creative sparks.

The band themselves describe these versions as ones that “capture these songs in early and pure form,” inviting listeners to experience the album from a fresh perspective.

“As part of our final day push towards the charts, we have made our ‘Gordon Raphael Sessions’ EP available as part of a digital deluxe version of the album.”

Critical Acclaim and Chart Success: The Cribs’ Rise Continues

Selling A Vibe didn’t just charm fans—it earned critical praise. The album was awarded a solid four-star rating, highlighting the band’s evolution without losing their signature spark. The review praised tracks like “A Point Too Hard To Make,” where the brothers’ “raw, almost-breaking vocals are in full force,” and the pairing of “Never The Same” and “Summer Seizures,” which fuse classic Cribs’ energy with newfound lyrical wisdom.

Such acclaim was matched by commercial success. The album debuted at Number Five on the UK Albums Chart—the highest position in the band’s career. It stood proudly behind releases by Olivia Dean, Blue, Zach Bryan, and a Fleetwood Mac greatest hits album.

A Bit of Nostalgia: The Tale of a Lost Guitar

In news that feels like a subplot from a rock ‘n’ roll novel, Ryan Jarman recently revealed that a guitar stolen from him over two decades ago turned up in the hands of none other than The 1975 and Beabadoobee. It’s the kind of quirky, serendipitous story that adds to the mythology of The Cribs’ legendary status.

FAQ

• What is the ‘Gordon Raphael Sessions’ EP?
  It’s a collection of early recordings from The Cribs’ album Selling A Vibe, produced by Gordon Raphael, capturing the songs in a raw and unpolished state.
• How do these sessions differ from the final album?
  The Raphael sessions reflect a more indie and garage-rock vibe, whereas the final album, produced by Patrick Wimberley, leans into a polished, pop-oriented sound.
• Where can I listen to the ‘Gordon Raphael Sessions’?
  The EP is available on major streaming platforms as part of the digital deluxe version of Selling A Vibe.
• How did Selling A Vibe perform commercially?
  The album debuted at Number Five on the UK Albums Chart, marking the highest chart position in The Cribs’ career.
• What’s the story about Ryan Jarman’s stolen guitar?
  A guitar stolen from Ryan over 20 years ago was later found in possession of The 1975 and Beabadoobee, creating a fascinating link between generations of indie rock.

Feeling inspired by The Cribs’ evolving sound and their nostalgic yet fresh vibe? You can bring a slice of their indie spirit into your space by shopping your favorite album cover poster at our store. It’s a subtle way to celebrate the music that shapes your world. Explore the collection now.