Crocodiles is an American indie rock band formed in San Diego, California, in 2008. The group was founded by vocalist and guitarist Brandon Welchez and drummer Dan Benson, later expanding to include additional members. Their music incorporates elements of lo‑fi pop, noise rock, and post‑punk, and they have released several studio albums and EPs through independent record labels.
History
- 2008–2009: Welchez and Benson began collaborating while residing in San Diego, initially recording tracks that would become their debut album. The album Summer of Hate was released in 2009 on the independent label Fat Possum Records, garnering attention from underground music press for its raw production and melodic hooks.
- 2010–2013: Following the debut, Crocodiles released a split EP with the band The Loon and their sophomore full‑length album, Sleep Forever (2010), also on Fat Possum. The band toured extensively across the United States and Europe, supporting acts such as The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Raveonettes.
- 2014–present: In 2014, Crocodiles issued the album Endless Flowers on the label Frenchkiss Records, followed by Boys (2016) and Dreamless (2020). Throughout this period, the lineup experienced several changes, with Welchez remaining the primary songwriter and frontperson. The band continues to perform live and release new material.
Members
-
Current
- Brandon Welchez – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Various rotating musicians have filled bass, drums, and additional guitar roles in live and studio settings.
-
Former
- Dan Benson – drums (2008–2014)
- Other past members have included bassist/keyboardist Nathaniel "Nate" Jolly and guitarist James C. (specific tenure dates vary).
Discography
Studio albums
- Summer of Hate (2009, Fat Possum Records)
- Sleep Forever (2010, Fat Possum Records)
- Endless Flowers (2014, Frenchkiss Records)
- Boys (2016, Frenchkiss Records)
- Dreamless (2020, Frenchkiss Records)
EPs and splits
- Crocodiles / The Loon split EP (2010, Fat Possum Records)
- The Lurkers EP (2012, Fat Possum Records)
Musical style and influences
Crocodiles’ sound is characterized by reverb‑laden guitars, lo‑fi production techniques, and a blend of melodic pop sensibilities with darker, post‑punk aesthetics. Critics have drawn comparisons to early The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Velvet Underground, and 1980s shoegaze bands. Their lyrical themes often explore nostalgia, romantic longing, and urban alienation.
Reception
The band’s releases have received favorable reviews in independent music publications such as Pitchfork, AllMusic, and The Quietus. Summer of Hate and Sleep Forever were noted for their cohesive fusion of noise and pop, while later albums were praised for expanded songwriting and more polished production.
Legacy
Although operating primarily within the underground indie circuit, Crocodiles have contributed to the resurgence of lo‑fi and noise‑pop styles in the 2010s. Their work is recognized for maintaining a consistent aesthetic while evolving through lineup changes and label partnerships.