CRIBBO IS IN HER PRIME WITH NEW SINGLE ‘LONG IN THE TOOTH’
Cribbo’s latest single, “Long in the Tooth,” is bringing the Y2K pop-punk energy that we all can’t help but indulge in. It resembles an atmosphere of late nights in the studio with friends, and in many ways it was. Cribbo wrote this track on her own, with help recording and mixing from her childhood friend Malena Roberts. This intimate process is expected to continue on her upcoming album that is currently in the works.
Since her first release in 2023, Cribbo has been finding her voice in the indie-pop world. Setting her apart from other artists, Cribbo has been evoking a raw connection between singer and listener by sharing live versions of her songs on her Youtube channel since the very beginning. Popular tracks such as “Internet” and her other recent release “Happy” are only further cementing her future in the music scene.
Reflecting Cribbo’s talents as both a musician and audio engineer, each layer of musicality within the song feels carefully intuitive. From the delicate, selective shake of a tambourine to the half-screamed backing vocals in the final chorus, “Long in the Tooth” is brimming with subtle sonic details that bring out both the joy and intimacy behind its creation.
Graphic by Emma Ransom (Crave Music Magazine)
Steadying the song is the hard, stomping bass drum that fills our ears the second we hit play. It provides a grit and heaviness, which counter to Cribbo’s soft, almost conversational vocals. Delivering lines like “I’ve been the same since I was young / Holding my tongue / I’ll stake it all on love” with ease, Cribbo holds certain notes at the end of phrases so naturally and effortlessly. That lyric in particular cleverly ties back to the title of the song with the phrase “long in the tooth,” meaning “past one’s prime.” She confesses that she has yet to grow out of her shy phase, with the hopeful longing that something or someone will come along to break her out of it.
Cymbal crashes and electric guitar riffs push us right into the chorus, acting as a temporary release that is cathartic for both the singer and listener before dropping down back into the bass-driven verses. Lyrically, “Long in the Tooth” encapsulates the unsure, chaotic mess that is our twenties. This mess is where unfinished thoughts meet brutal self-admissions, which can feel harsh at times, but there is a relieving feeling that comes from listening to this track. As Cribbo sings, “Nothing in my narrow mind / Big plans ahead / Something left unsaid,” it’s as if she is reading from her scattered notes app, which I’m sure we can all relate to.
As we near the end of the song, we are met with Cribbo and her stream of consciousness. Wishing she were taller, worried about finding pant sizes, questioning savings accounts and 401Ks — the sort of random, floaty thoughts we all have, but may only share vulnerably with one other person. And, within this track, we are that one other person for Cribbo. The final chorus has an exploding effect as she screams the lyrics behind her natural singing voice, almost as if she is trying to break free. It’s a ground-shaking combination of vulnerability, power and spirit that result in the listener needing to scream out with her.
Cribbo has a special way of delivering honesty within her words, showcasing this with her final admission, “I’m still shy.” This wraps the song up with a subtle emotional strength that leaves the listener feeling empowered, yet comforted. With “Long in the Tooth,” Cribbo has proven herself by interlacing sonic grit, playful chaos and raw lyricism into a piece of art that provides reassurance and connection. If you ever feel stuck with what stage of life you are in or believe that your prime is behind you, then listen to “Long in the Tooth,” and you will not be alone with that feeling.
Keep up with Cribbo:
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