Night Network cover

Night Network

The Cribs · 2020

43 min · 12 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of modern indie rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Goodbye — The opening track sets the tone with its raw energy and reflective lyrics about letting go, encapsulating the album's themes of change and longing.
  • →
    I Don’t Know Who I Am — This track delves into existential uncertainty with a compelling chorus that showcases the band’s knack for blending vulnerability with infectious hooks.
  • →
    Running Into You — With its upbeat tempo and relatable narrative about unexpected encounters, this song exemplifies the album’s balance of introspection and lively instrumentation.
  • →
    Under the Bus Station Clock — The track stands out for its poignant storytelling and atmospheric arrangement, creating a vivid sense of place that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases melodic writing with introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks feature layered guitar harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Running Into You' and 'Deep Infatuation'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pace for focused listening
  • introspective themes of connection
  • vibrant energy for evening drives
  • short tracks for quick sessions
  • sing-along moments with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid reflective listening experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and a return to roots after experimentation.
Career context
Released on November 20, 2020, Night Network is The Cribs' sixth album, following their 2017 record 24-7 Rock Star Shit. This album marks a return to their roots after a period of experimentation, showcasing a more melodic and polished sound while maintaining their punk-infused energy.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Don’t Know Who I Am

    The narrator grapples with identity and self-doubt in an evocative bridge that shifts from uncertainty to a yearning for clarity.

    This shift in tone contrasts the earlier verses, highlighting the internal struggle that mirrors broader themes of searching for one’s place in life.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Goodbye 2:39
  • 2 Running Into You 2:52
  • 3 Screaming in Suburbia 3:49
  • 4 Never Thought I’d Feel Again 4:09
  • 5 Deep Infatuation 3:25
  • 6 I Don’t Know Who I Am 5:03
  • 7 She’s My Style 3:11
  • 8 Under the Bus Station Clock 2:52
  • 9 The Weather Speaks Your Name 4:32
  • 10 Siren Sing‐Along 3:11
  • 11 Earl & Duke 3:43
  • 12 In the Neon Night 3:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata