New York – Crocodiles played the penultimate date of their North American tour at Mercury Lounge in the Lower East Side on June 7th. The band has been touring in support of their recently released album Boys, out on Zoo Music (lead vocalist Brandon Welchez’ and his wife Dee Dee Penny’s [of Dum Dum Girls] own label). Although having described their latest album as “salsa-punk”, Crocodiles brought a grittier, dirtier dive bar approach towards their live performance.
Based on the inclusion of multiple tracks from Boys, it was easy to see the clear inspiration drawn from the chaotic and sultry late night atmosphere of the Mexican location where the band spent time recording. As always, their music was complemented by an audience full of the assortment odd and interesting characters the band has sought to attract with their fixation on the underground. With Boys as the band’s fifth album to date in a little over just as many years, it was also refreshingly evident to note their strong, comfortable stage presence and unwillingness to allow habitual laziness or overconfidence to develop.
A band that makes no secret of their affinity for spontaneous debauchery, Crocodiles brought their A game to the stage, and singer Brandon Welchez looked the part of a very Berlin-inspired James Dean in his captivating performance, while repeatedly telling the crowd what a good time he was having that night, a statement that in this circumstance was easy to believe. Never wavering in its intensity, the band kept the energy high the entire hour long set, playing off the equally enamored audience. Despite complaints from critics that Crocodiles borrow too heavily from bands such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, it’s undeniable that the chemistry and fervor brought to their live performance has garnered them a deserving fan base and undeniable authenticity. New singles such as “Crybaby Demon” already have gained a familiarity with fans and sonic synths combined with unrelenting garage vibes lent themselves to the glam-rock sound that has always defined Crocodiles. With a set that recalls countless house parties on the verge of spiraling out of control, the raw and passion-fueled persona of Crocodiles lent itself to the dark intimacy of Mercury Lounge.
In one of the most endearing moments of the night, the final song of the set saw close friends and family of the band join them on stage, completing the blurred edges between band and audience and the invitation of chaos: Welchez threw his drink in the air, people stumbled over power chords and all the ingredients of rock and roll felt finally fused together in yet again a very credible culmination. Leaving a beer drenched stage scattered with instruments and plastic cups, the audience was left with the feeling that the party was far from over and Crocodiles are here to stay.
Keep up with the band via their Facebook and Twitter pages, and catch Crocodiles in their return to guitarist Charles Rowell’s home in the UK with UK and European dates that include a headline date at Manchester Psych Fest June 13th.
Photo of Crocodiles live by @danmusic76
Ruby Hoffman
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