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. Having help from her childhood friend Malena Roberts, who recorded and mixed this project, Cribbo wrote this track completely on her own. This intimate process will be expected for her upcoming album that is currently in the works. Reflecting Cribbo’s talents as an 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.
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 with one other person. With this track, we are that one other person for Cribbo. The final chorus has an exploding effect as she screams the chorus 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.