The Cribs fourth effort comes with the much publicised addition of ex-Smiths guitar legend, Johnny Marr, as perhaps its major draw.

On first listen, the first thing you notice about Ignore The Ignorant is the lack of catchy indie hooks and choruses. While 2007’s Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever was a feast of instantaneous radio-friendly, anthems, this one is more of a grower. Could it be that the addition of Marr’s wise old head has encouraged the otherwise hot-tempered young brothers Jarman to get a bit introspective with their song-writing?

With lyrics like “I’m messed up baby like the Berlin wall”, perhaps not. But on second, third and fourth listens this is a great record - maybe their best. The Cribs feel as though - under Marr’s guiding hand - they’ve grown up, but kept enough of the punk energy that makes them what they are.

First single, ‘Cheat On Me’ remains the stand out track along with opener ‘We Were Aborted’ and the punked up ‘Hari Kari’.

Michael Wylie-Harris