Crocodiles Upside Down in Heaven LP
L.A.’s CROCODILES have been a mainstay in the rock’n’roll scene for years now, and they sound tighter and brighter than ever on their latest Upside Down in Heaven. Ten punchy, power-poppy bangers that recall the best of the early days of Stiff Records mixed with a moody shoegaze sheen. Lead single “Degeneration” sounds like Arabia Mountain-era BLACK LIPS tipping their cowboy hats to the WHO, while title track “Upside Down in Heaven” sounds like the Reid brothers adding some color to their palette. And while sticking closely to the revved-up “April Skies” sound, CROCODILES keep things feeling fresh with surprises here and there, like the ripping saxophone on “Surfin the Dead,” or the sterling guitar work on opening track “Love Beyond the Grave” that would make the STROKES proud. Just in time for summer, Upside Down in Heaven is a blast and wouldn’t be out of place bumping from a stereo on the beach with a beer or three.