Release of the Week 27/5: Crocodylus ‘Ghosts’
After eight months of silence, Crocodylus are back with a hot and heavy new track. ‘Ghosts’ is the Sydney based rock band’s first track since ‘My Baby’, which similarly featured as Release of the Week back in early September 2018. This huge period between releases wasn’t a hiatus, but rather a long stretch of tours and live shows. Now in 2019, listeners are getting a much more developed version of the band, with all the characteristics they know and love.
Guitars that use too much fuzz, vocals that dance with manic lyrics and drums that don’t keep to a consistent time signature; these are the features that make Crocodylus one of the most unique bands in Australia. The balance between grunge, psychedelic and surf rock is grounded in the texture of the Aussie pub. Their music is fast and fun, built for tightly packed, sweaty barroom mosh-pits. ‘Ghosts’ takes all these defining characteristics and puts it into a new context. It is slower and darker than previous songs, but the delayed rhythm and bass section allows for some guitar fills and backup vocals to shine through across the middle ground. The lyrics talk about ghosts, paranoia and a fear of voices inside someone’s head. The ghosts could be both literal ghosts or the constant voices of self-doubt. This lethargic introspection only lasts for the mood setting verses. For the chorus, the band hits double-time with some exceptional drumming that emphasises this section and excites the listener. Following the second chorus is a breakdown, reminiscent of some late 90s alternative rock, fit with rising sirens and piano melodies. The final sequence is a race to the finish line of instrumental flourish and rhythmic catharsis. While most bands would have a final chorus, Crocodylus again go into double time to blast the audience with their sound. The vocals become a last final howl of “ghosts”, matching the force of the instrumentation. It is indicative of their music’s energising effect. They ditch tradition for frantic intensity because they are first and foremost a pub band, writing music for pub gigs.
‘Ghosts’ is a showcase of the live atmosphere that grounds this multifaceted rock band. For a night of rock music, sweaty mosh pits and barroom antics, be sure to check out Crocodylus as they support The Chats’ through their Pub Feed Tour from May 31 to June 15. Tickets available here https://www.thechatslovebeer.com/
