Crocodiles – Crimes of Passion

Glitter In Your Veins

Members of San Diego’s noise/indie-pop band Crocodiles have reached success before. Vocalist Brandon Welchez and guitarist Charles Roswell worked together in former SoCal noise/punk bands Some Girls and The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower, with Some Girls signed to popular Epitaph Records and The Plot building a bizarre reputation and touring with bands like Blood Brothers. Some years and a few projects later, Crocodiles was formed and picked up by Fat Possum Records. Now on Frenchkiss Records (The Hold Steady, Passion Pit, Bloc Party), Crocodiles has released their fourth full-length Crimes of Passion.

Containing elements that sound like a mix between Sonic Youth and ’80s pop, Welchez and Roswell have shed little of their cool retro attitude but still manage to present their own authentic emotions lyrically and to freely experiment musically, expressed immediately on opening track, “I Like It In The Dark.”

“Gimme Some Annihilation” is a breath of fresh air compared to previous track “Me And My Machine Gun,” which is a slow, repetitive, 80s-esque song where the guitar overpowers the vocals. Instead, “Annihilation” is upbeat and fuzzed out but lyrically, a little dark. The chorus actually contains the line, “I wish that you would die.”

“Virgin” follows suit being upbeat, fuzzed-out and a track to throw on during a sunny day on the beach, while “Un Chant D’Amour” leaves a nice taste in your mouth before the album ends with a warm and soothing ballad.

Cumulatively, Welchez and Roswell have showcased quite an array of sound. And while there are elements to appreciate on Crimes of Passion, like the ballads and the brass section, it still may leave a lukewarm feel to some.