Formed in 1996 at Aberystwyth University, The Crocketts were a band described as Welsh Cowpunk, due to their punk-rock sound incorporating both country and folk influences.

Signed to Blue Dog Records (part of V2) in 1997, they released their first full length album in 1998, We May Be Skinny & Wirey. After touring around the UK and releasing a second album, The Great Brain Robbery, the label was bought by EMI and The Crocketts were dropped, along with many other bands. This prompted two band members to leave in 2002, which eventually led to the band's break-up. Later that year, Davey MacManus (vocals and guitar) and Owen Hopkin (drums) went on to form The Crimea.