The Cribb

It can’t be a coincidence that The Cribb named this album after a Los Angeles landmark. Theo Wilson Square is so full of Hollywood dreams and heartache, you’d think the Cribb brothers had packed up for LA from South Carolina with stars in their eyes and neon fantasies in their souls. Actually, that’s pretty much what happened. And if this record is any indication, there’s a damn good chance they might make it. Theo Wilson Square is a record executive’s wet dream, full of catchy melodies and gently rockin’ songs about love, life, faith and dreams. While some critics may enjoy poking fun at the occasionally contrived lyrics, they’ll find themselves singing along whether they like it or not.

Sharing a similar sound to acts like Train and Counting Crows, The Cribb rely more on seductive hooks and universal themes than technical showmanship or groundbreaking vision. Songs like “Get By” and “Ready To Fall-” rock hard enough for the college/frat herd, while “In the Middle” and “Shine” will have the at-work office crowd tying up the lines with requests. There’s a range of feelings on Theo Wilson Square that will earn it tags ranging from alternative to adult contemporary.

If you hear a new song from an unknown band on your way to work, and it just won’t leave your subconscious for the rest of the day, there’s a good chance it came from Theo Wilson Square. While there are song titles like “Love” and lyrics like “I’ll always love you,” any stylistic artificiality will be overshadowed on an album that’s otherwise chock-full of potential singles. Writing solid pop songs is obviously not a problem for this foursome, and commercial radio loves this stuff. The only catch is that there’s a lot of it out there. The big challenge for The Cribb will be getting their stuff played over everyone else’s. If they can get over that hurdle, their race is already won.

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