Cribs Ryan Jarman on Johnny Marr exit: 'We're meant to be three-piece'

Ryan Jarman has played down Johnny Marr's departure from The Cribs, hinting that he was only ever a temporary member.

The 'Don't You Wanna Be Relevant?' singer-guitarist told NME that he will look back fondly on Marr's three-year stint with the band.

"Working with Johnny was something I really enjoyed, but what it's made me realise is that this is the way it's meant to be," Jarman said



Meanwhile, Jarman confessed that he believes 2009's Ignore the Ignorant with Marr was inferior to their three previous LPs as a three-piece.

"I liked the last record and it was a progression," he added. "But there was something lost in translation. It was something indefinable - but it's back."

The Cribs' fifth album, which was first announced last February, has the working title In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull.

Producers Steve Albini (Nirvana, Manic Street Preachers) and Dave Fridmann (MGMT, Mercury Rev) have joined forces for the LP.

Watch The Cribs and Johnny Marr perform 'We Share The Same Skies' live below: