The Crocodiles have been receiving recent acclaim in the music world, with both Rolling Stone and Spin magazine featuring the release of their new album, “Summer of Hate,” and giving it strong reviews. I also heard DJs on 94/9 discussing the Crocodiles, saying that although they are a San Diego based band, they have garnered more attention elsewhere. The Crocodiles consists of two band members: Brandon Welchez on vocals and guitar, and Charles Rowland on guitar and synthesizer. Their album is solid and borrows a lot from Echo & the Bunnymen (they took their name from one of their songs), The Jesus & Mary Chain, and The Velvet Underground. There is a lot of distorted guitar and vocals, electronics, and feedback. It is reminiscent of good 90’s alternative rock, but repackaged in a way that is very “now.”

There was a decent sized crowd for a Sunday evening show, but for $10, I was surprised it didn’t sell out.  I was also surprised to see that The Crocodiles consisted of only 2 band members. Welchez was tall, incredibly skinny, with a denim jacket over his vintage t, and Bob Dylan hair. Both Welchez & Rowland wore sunglasses the entire show, and both were extremely energetic. Welchez danced around the stage the entire time, which made the audience do the same in turn. The entire set was set to some sort of recording which provided most of the sound. It was very loud, and also very good, but I couldn’t help but wonder if that “counts.” If a rock band can just record everything then play along with it at a live performance. It doesn’t seem to be as “live.” But it worked. The Crocodiles played such songs as “In My Room,” “Flash of Light” –which was awesome—and ended the show with the would be single “I Want To Kill.” Around the fourth song Welchez started playing guitar as well. It was a great show. The Crocodiles seem to have insider info on hip, but have successfully molded it into their own version. Afterwards it was also nice to see Welchez mingling in the crowd. The album is good and the live show better, definitely worth checking out.