Crocodiles
Summer of Hate
Fat Possum Records
9/10
This album is pretty spectacular. It starts out strong, and, at its best, reminds me of Boards of Canada and Air who, if you’re familiar with them, fucking rule. The record is being released by Fat Possum Records, best known for its blues and punk blues albums by the likes of the late RL Burnside and The Black Keys; however, the label is currently branching out and Crocodiles factor in nicely to that equation. The album is more instrumental than not, with what vocals there are serving more as an accompaniment to the music, leaving the compositions in the spotlight. This, for me, is what the best of the electronic world has to offer– loads of euphoric, ambient tunes that drift in and out of your consciousness; the perfect soundtrack for long road trips with clear blue skies, exam cramming, meditation, small get-togethers, and the like.
Highlights include “Screaming Chrome,” “I Wanna Kill,” “Sleeping with the Lord,” and “Young Drugs” (my personal favorite). Notable exceptions to the standard sound of the album include “Soft Skull (In My Room),” almost a straight up rock number, and “Flash of Light,” a number reminiscent of Sonic Youth, culminating with two minutes of feedback and noise; my least favorite of the bunch.
-Luke Toney