Twenty Favorite Albums of 2013……Number 19

Artist: Crocodiles
Album: Crimes of Passion

This was an interesting discovery. My sister and I went to the club Metro in Chicago back in May to see a band called Japandroids. Crocodiles was the opening act. I never heard of them before. But I must admit that they had a pretty captivating presence on stage. Their sound is like noise rock mixd with psychedelia. Guitar feedbacks, experimental sounds and good fuzzy hooks.

These guys are from San Diego, California. Yet, I can hear some Lou Reed’s Brooklyn influences among their styles. The bands Jesus and Mary Chain, R.E.M. and some of those other 80’s post punk junk groups work their way into influencing their musical mix. Simple songs with a California sun vibe. But a lot of crunching guitars and fun choruses are scattered all over the record, Crimes of Passion. It’s only a spec longer than thirty minutes long too. So, this disc gets right to the point. It doesn’t waste any time. Plus tambourines and pianos contribute nicely to a deliciously passionate rock album that just feels good on my ears. Give it a listen!