“If you want somewhere to run to, and if you want someone to tell you the truth- go look out your window, baby.”
I’ve got a handful of things in life that make me truly happy. The obvious one being music. However, getting to write about a band who I adore (they’re not just a band, I’m lucky enough to class them as friends.) Writing about a band you love when they’re about to release something truly beautiful, well, that’s another great feeling entirely. I’ve had a copy of Dreamless by Crocodiles since May. I was given it at a point where I needed something, and I got it instantly from Dreamless. Hopefully when you hear it, you’ll get what I mean. I know I like to take apart each song when writing about a record, but I’m getting by on not much sleep at the moment so it probably won’t start or end well.
It’s so obvious how much I love Crocodiles music. From the moment I picked up their first record based on the artwork to fast forwarding to now, writing about Dreamless. Summer Of Hate and Sleep Forever had this amazing aggressive sound. Effortlessly menacing that left you wanting more. Endless Flowers took this menacing sound and mixed it with something so delicate which fully bloomed (pardon the pun) on Crimes Of Passion. Boys flirted with all their previous records- so what is left for them to do with Dreamless? Oh dear reader, they are just getting started.
I’ve looked through the records I own and also the music I haver stored on my laptop, and I can easily reel off the names of bands who much like Crocodiles change with every record. These are the kinds of bands that make you want to make your own, the kind that keep your attention constantly. Bands like The Kills and back to the likes of Captain Beefheart, Ramones, Patti, Morrissey- I could go on. And on. These are the ones who are gloriously fearless and can make each record sound as if they are a brand new band but still maintain a style that makes them tower above others. Crocodiles do it with every record. Dreamless is no exception. Although record in Mexico City, it sounds like it was born out a damp ridden apartment in Berlin circa early 70s. They’ve always given me that feeling, and for me- that’s how I want something to sound. I want it to take me somewhere I have physically yet to go, but mentally I am always there.
The record opens with Telepathic Lover, which consists of my favourite lyrics to any song I’ve heard all year. When I played it for the first time, it blew my mind. I felt this, massive connection to the lyrics, and they have been the backbone to a lot of thoughts I’ve had this year and god knows what else I’ve carried. “Telepathic Lover, please don’t look into my mind. Telepathic lover, you won’t like what you find.” Hands down my favourite lyrics of the year and probably my favourite by them, ever. There are so many songs by them I could list as being my favourite or what have you, but this one has something that just leaves me in awe of them. This is the one I keep going back to. It’s like meeting someone who really gets you.
Time To Kill has some gorgeous words to, and is beautifully sung. Brandon’s voice sounds like a gentle whisper on this one, and it makes the words echo more in your ears, and brain. It’s got a haunting sound to it, and this eerie tone lures you in. You feel secure but slightly scared all at once. Aside from the whole damn record being a work of glorious art and me obsessing over Telepathic Lover- you should know that Jumping On Angels is also one of the finest moments on the record. If this makes their live shows (I can only hope it does) then I’m pretty sure it’ll make the song sound greater than it already is. What I love about this record, is that the lyrics really make you think. I’ve spent a lot of time going back and forth over songs I love and finding lyrics that I love, and lyrics that mean something. With this record, Crocodiles have again made something that just makes you think and see things differently. They challenge themselves and the listener with every record, and that alone is a reason to completely love and respect them. Produced once again by Martin Thulin, it’s really no surprise that this is probably the best record you’ll hear all year.
Welcome To Hell has this groove to it that makes you want to dance, but when you delve into the lyrics- you’ll again, see just how brilliant they are at writing songs that just make you take your mind elsewhere. Welcome To Hell makes you feel like you’ve wound up in a fight in the middle of some dodgy bar, and as you stumble home, the trouble just doesn’t leave you be. You just need to get yourself home and shut off.Welcome To Hell also has the brilliant line, “I never should have been a Peeping Tom.” Wonderfully perverse, in the best way. I’m Sick has this way of making you feel less alone with burden of self you can carry around at times. An easy song to relate to- listen to it and don’t be too tough on yourself.
I guess it shows at times I never re-read anything I’ve written, and I know I’ve probably missed out so much. I know I could have said so much more about Dreamless and how stunning it is. But, if you’re already a fan of Crocodiles then you’ll already know what to expect. You’ll already know that with every record, they blow your mind and do something to just make you love them even more. Songs like Go Now are perfect to play when you need some quiet time to get it together.
Crocodiles are currently on tour in Europe and will be coming over to the UK within the next few days. I’m skipping the London date and going to Manchester instead. You can’t miss seeing your favourite band at one of your favourite places, can you?!
Come out and see them at any of the following dates. Dreamless will be released on 21st October on Zoo Music.
1th October 2016 – Leeds Headrow House
13th October 2016 – Glasgow Broadcast
14th October 2016 – Manchester Night and Day
15th October 2016 – London Hackney Wonderland
This is going to be painfully biased. When it comes to Crocodiles, I can only form a biased opinion because it is blatantly obvious how much I love and adore them, as people and the music they make. I can tell you now that Dreamless is my favourite record of the year, I’ve been playing it solidly for the past few months. It makes my disdain for people being oblivious to personal space on public transport easier to get my head around. It makes living in an overwhelming city easier to deal with, at times. When I heard Dreamless, Telepathic Lover was the song I instantly connected with based on the lyrics. The more I listen to it, the more I can relate to it.
Many have said that Telepathic Lover is different to what Crocs have done previously, and to an extent that is true. But this song is as gentle as All My Hate, Screaming Chrome, She Splits Me Up and Blue. Brandon’s voice is nothing short of gorgeous on this song, and goes so well with Charlie’s tame guitar playing. For the most part what drew me to them was how loud and brutal they were. Neon Jesus grabbed me in a way that no other song did at that time. My first heartbreak was soothed by their debut record, and from then on I learnt how to not take everything to heart- there are worse problems, and breakups make you who you are-tougher. That said, I’ll cry at anything to do with cute animals. I can’t stop myself.
Telepathic Lover opens with my favourite lyric of the year, “Telepathic lover, please don’t look into my mind. Telepathic lover, you won’t like what you find.” I can reel off lyrics from Ash & Ice by The Kills and claim they were written for me, but this line is easily the one I can fully identify with. There’s so much truth in it. Having someone who knows every thought in your head before you try blurt it out is massively terrifying, but also comforting because if they stick around- then you know it’s worth more than anything else in the world. These are the ones you cling to and love for life. I’m into lyrics/ words in general in a huge way. As someone who is 80% useless most of the time with their own, I take a lot from others- mainly bands/singers. I’ve heard a lot of myself in the music that Brandon and Charlie make, and Telepathic Lover is by no means an exception. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Dreamless, and I find myself constantly going back to Telepathic Lover. We’ve all met/had someone who is a telepathic lover- keep them. Makes life less daunting.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played Telepathic Lover, but each time I, as cliched as it sounds, find something else to adore. From Martin Thulin’s (he also produced this record, along with Boys) captivating playing on the keys, another lyric to love, the way Brandon sings certain parts of the song, Charlie’s effortlessly cool guitar playing- there’s always something there in the song for me to keep going back to. Something new to love about the song. The whole record is made up of beautiful songs like Telepathic Lover, and I think that’s why Dreamless is going to be one of the finest records we will hear all year. It is made up of gentle and tough songs. If you’ve never listening to Crocs before, you’ve got until October to go back and listen to their previous five in time for record number six. What else are you going to do? Or maybe work your way backwards. Start with Dreamless in October, then go back . It’s up to you. Dreamless picks up where Boys left off, and it’s a great place to be in. They seem to put a record out nearly every year, and for me that commends more respect than most.
There is something still ferocious in their music, but it’s kind of like a Nick Cave kind of thing here- dark lyrics, gentle voice and hypnotic sounds. Crocodiles thankfully don’t have a set sound. They don’t have anything typical about them, and I’m so glad Telepathic Lover has been chosen as the single because it shows them exactly for who they are- if you expect their music to always sound like this, you’ll be proven wrong but you will constantly be blown away by how bloody brilliant they are.
You don’t have to take my biased opinion on board, I’m just glad I can finally unleash how I feel about this song onto any poor soul who may read this.
I managed to count how many times I’ve seen Crocodiles- Saturday will be my tenth time. Does someone need to buy me a present? If so, I’ll take some paracetamol and a comfy bed for a few hours. Never ever have whiskey, sleep for 3 hours and go to work. It will not work in your favour but you’ll probably have had a lovely time in the midst of it all.
Life is made up of strange and nice things at time. There are a few moments in my 28 years on this planet that I keep very dear to me, from crying like a baby in front of Patti Smith to finding certain records. Always music based. Last night something bizarre happened at the end of Crocs show last night. A lovely man (I think his name is Andy) came up to me, asked me “Are you Olivia?” Of course I assume the worst and thought he was going to call me a name or something, so I was shocked when he mentioned he reads my blog and enjoys what I write (I’m playing it down because I really hate talking about myself.) So Andy, if by some chance you see this- thank you. A billion thank yous. This is one is for you.
The Savage Nomads kicked off the evening with their South London ways. They ventured all the way North last night to expose us to their infectious tunes and charismatic ways. A massive pleasure (finally) to see them live. I’ve been a fan for a while now, and it was really good to see their live shows. An effortlessly smooth set that was led by frontman Cole leading the band into the depths of North London by standing on the drum kit and performing as if they were at Wembley. A proper frontman with a mean dress-sense.
Next up, Hatcham Social. I went to uni in 2006, and whilst there Hatcham Social were a band I was in love with. The love has always been there, and I finally got to see them live last night. Their set made you want to leave and start your own band and make your own noise. This is proof that some things are most definitely worth waiting for. I think they’re doing some more dates with Crocodiles so please get there early and be left in awe.
The main event. The loveliest band in the world. Crocodiles. Sure it can be hard to comment on a band you’ve seen so many times. I’ve run out of reasons as to why I bloody love them. From their Punk ethic to their poetically brilliant lyrics. I just love them and will never grow tired of them. If you’ve ever seen them live, you’ll know exactly why it is so easy to end up seeing them so many times. They’ve got something, and I’m not sure what the word is. Maybe their isn’t word. This is what 3 hours sleep does.
Their set is a brilliant mixture of old and current hits. Personally, I’m just happy Refuse Angels is in the set. The band go nuts during this one, and it shows just how magnificent a drummer Robert is. It’s because he’s Northern, that’s why. The ferociousness in this number is out of this world and is so brutal. On the flip side of this we have Me And My Machine Gun (one of their best songs ever) which just sounds and feels like a whirlwind romance with no care for consequence.
We need to appreciate Charlie Rowell. Let’s be honest, there’s no better guitarist around. He swirls the guitar round in the most carefree way imaginable and you can see such concentration in him as he plays, but you just know it is effortless. The band is effortlessly brilliant. Sweat falls from his hair as he jolts the guitar around. This guy is solely responsible for you wanting to learnt to play the guitar. Robert, Brandon, Charlie and David (he’s in Hatcham Social too y’know) are pretty much the definition of a “super group” each of them has talent that would make other bands think, “I wish that guy was in our band.” I think anyone who sees them live and is in a band would probably leave wanting to improve on their sound.
Crocodiles transport you to Max’s Kansas City in the 70s waiting for the weird and wonderful to cause a scene. I guess this is why I was drawn towards their sound back in 2009. I found their music by accident, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Their sound changes on each record, but when you see them live it is like hearing your top 5 records of all time in an hour. Of course I think they’re the best band around, only a tool wouldn’t.
The fury in I Wanna Kill gets me every time, and I’m pretty sure most of the crowd feel the same. That song could excite the weakest of souls. They end their set with Jet Boy Jet Girl. A proper depraved song that only Crocodiles could cover in a way that makes you think they wrote it.
It is so easy to get bored of modern life. For the most part, it is rubbish. Full of people gormlessly staring at their phones in the hopes something happens. It won’t happen. SOMETHING will happen at a gig. That’s where the people come alive, that’s where you meet the best people. What I love about Crocs shows is that the crowd genuinely love the band. They aren’t there to be seen; they are there because they fucking love this band. It’s a united passion that is absent in most. Thank the heavens for a band like this. A London Crocodiles show would not be complete without Omar making an appearance on stage. He may be on crutches, but he made it onto the stage to sing a bit of I Wanna Kill.
Crocodiles have just started their UK/Europe tour. Tomorrow night they’re playing the Manchester Psych Fest,which will probably be brilliant. Hopefully I’ll nap in the car!
The most handsome men in music are back. Crocodiles, the loveliest guys you’ll ever meet are back with a new record called Boys out in a few months, but first, to get you ready for this stunning record (I’ve heard it and no other record is going to be as important as Boys this year) they have just put out the video to Crybaby Demon.
Crybaby Demon is a trashy and smutty number. If any band can make you feel violated and dirty in the best way possible, then it is easily Crocodiles. With Charlie’s unapologetic sneering guitar sounds and Brandon’s smouldering vocals, Crybaby Demon is the perfect Crocodiles song to lose your mind to. Sure we can call start mini riots to I Wanna Kill, but Crybaby Demon is the year’s most trashiest anthem. Gloriously perverse and weird.
The video to Crybaby Demon is directed by Tito Echevarria (Young Boys/SISU) and it feels like one of those obscure films that are on TV at 3am when you’re too wired to sleep. It feels like every lucid dream you’ve ever had. A real sleazy and utterly charming video that brings the song to life, a perfect fit.
It is fairly obvious that I could write about Crocodiles until I ran out of words or something equally dramatic. There is something massively relatable about their lyrics and something freeing within their music. They take you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. I just bloody love these guys and cannot wait for everyone to hear Boys and for the tour to start.
Crocodiles are one of the few bands that have that real Punk feel to their music and how they do it. Their DIY ethic is evident in all they do, and that alone demands respect. If you’ve never seen them live, GO. Their shows are wild and carefree. The London crowd that go see them are the least dickish London crowds around (I’ve been to enough shows in London to be tired of seeing people just stand still when exposed to brilliant live music.) It’s just like one big party and the love the fans have for Crocodiles is just bloody lovely. Hopefully I’ve sold it to you!
Boys is out via Zoo Music on 11th May. Outcasts, deviants and rebels rejoice because this record is for YOU.
With every review of Crocs I write, I always say the same thing. I always say how bloody great they are, and as someone who is rarely right- with this, I know it to be true. They are probably the best band I’ve seen live and are bloody lovely guys.
Last night they played as part of the Hackney Wonderland. I paid £10 just to see them and didn’t go see anyone else. Maybe that was foolish, but my girlfriend and I went to have pizza. As an Italian, I can’t turn down pizza. Also living right near the venue is always good!
If you’ve ever been to see Crocodiles in London you will have probably seen the guest of honor and all round brilliant guy, Omar. Omar stole the show at the end, but more of that later. He should be their hypeman. Shouting abuse at the crowd to get them moving. If you’re not moving at a Crocs show, then something is wrong with you. They aren’t a band you stand still to. No way pal.
Crocs treat us to some new songs off their new record, and judging by how good they sounded live I am confident again with declaring their new record to be the best thing to happen in 2015. The last new song they did in the set was my favourite. No idea of song names, but this one was my favourite. Crocs are one of those rare bands that sound better and different with each release. Summer Of Hate is the record that owns a large part of my heart, but each of their records just proves how marvelous they are. Severely underrated, but the best ones usually are. Of all the times I’ve seen them, last night was possibly the best and it could be down to the magnificent stage invasion at the end to I Wanna Kill.
Personally the best moment for me was them playing Summer Of Hate. I can’t remember if I’ve seen them do it before, but last night felt like it was the first time. It’s my favourite song by them,and if you’ve ever seen a band you love play your favourite song by them live you will understand what that moment means. You don’t feel as if anyone else is around you, and you’re completely and utterly immersed in the moment. It’s a beautiful feeling and maybe, just maybe you haven’t lived until you’ve experienced it.
They opened their set with the anthem for perverts, Marquis de Sade. An anthem you’ve just got to sing a long to. Also, if you read a Marquis de Sade book on public transport, people don’t want to sit near you. It’s brilliant. He was also a fantastic and twisted writer that you need to read. His mind was obscure and perverse, and wonderful. If you don’t like conventional things, go read his work.
The last two songs were insane. They did their cover of Jet Boy Jet Girl (which I am so happy they now play) and were joined by the majestic Omar on vocals. When he isn’t yelling “ASS CLOWN” at Brandon, you can find him near the front loving life. Crocs ended their set with I Wanna Kill which was greeted with a beautiful stage invasion. It was a glorious state of chaos, and every band should do this. I don’t care who you are, you should let your fans get on stage with you and belt out a song. This bit in the set pretty much showed how much they are loved and how their fans really appreciate it when they come to town. In an ideal world I would have the funds to go to a full tour and write words like above about it. They aren’t a band you see just once and that’s it. They’re a band that you have to keep on seeing because the atmosphere at their shows is something else. They are one of the few bands that make me want to just write about music forever. It annoys me how underrated they are, but last night truly showed how loved they are and those that watched them know just how brilliant they are.
Each of them are bloody mesmerising to watch. Charlie flings his guitar about and holds it like a machine gun, Robert beats the living shit out the drums in a glorious fashion, their bassist David (he’s in Hatcham Social, a band I fell in love with at uni many moons ago!) seems to be in a trance as he plays and you fall into it also, Brandon’s voice creates this atmosphere in the room that takes you back in time. I can’t (but will always try to) emphasise enough just how bloody great they are. And also, they are the most loveliest and kind guys you’ll ever meet. I bloody well owe them.
Initially I was going to write about Crocodiles two live shows this weekends in separate posts (London and Bedford) but after seeing them live three times this month (they supported Dum Dum Girls) the only thing for me to do is to write about their live shows. I’m writing this after throwing up this morning (I’ve had too much fun this weekend) and from being woken up by my dickhead neighbour playing The 1975 so loud. There’s no need to play them that loud, or really, at all.
Crocodiles are probably the most exciting bands to see live. If you want to go to a show where you leave covered in your sweat, more than likely someone elses and the urge to start a band afterwards; then they are the band you need to see. I’ve been a fan since 2009. I wasn’t aware of them or their previous bands, but I picked up Summer Of Hate because I loved the front cover. It looked a bit strange, so I bought the only copy in the shop, went home and played it. I played it almost religiously. On the same day I bought Cold Cave’s Love Comes Close. Both records came into my life at a time where I needed something I was missing, I’m not sure what but I’ve always found the answer in music. Summer Of Hate had a beautiful raucous feel it, the kind of sound that you can really let go to.
BW and his maracas.
What I’ve notice each time I see Crocodiles live is that everybody in audience just loses it. From swaying their bodies in a weird fashion (myself included) to going completely nuts during I Wanna Kill; their fans at their shows are awesome. Of course their London shows tend to be slightly more wild when the beloved Omar turns up, and you can usually find him near the front of the stage making fun of his pals on stage. He just seems like a really cool guy. Last night’s show in Bedford was probably the best show I’ve seen of theirs. When I spoke to Brandon after their show, he said they were more used to playing venues like this. Esquires is a broken-in venue that holds a lot of history. Apparently it used to be a church, and now it is a sanctuary for live music. Last night’s crowd seemed a little more tame compared to a typical London crowd and a lot of the women last night were dressed up wearing shoes that aren’t made for dancing. The crowd at Bedford cannot be faulted at all. There aren’t really any dickheads that attend a Crocodiles show, which is good because there’s usually one person who likes to ruin it for everyone else.
Their set list currently has Billy Speed, Hollow Hollow Eyes and Jet Boy Jet Girl; finally seeing these songs live is brilliant but I will never grow tired of watching Robert go absolutely crazy on Refuse Angels or watching them all seem to fall into their own world during Me And My Machine Gun. One thing Brandon and Charlie have managed to do is shut up critics/idiots who labelled them as rip-offs of The Jesus And Mary Chain, but as someone who obviously loves both bands, I really cannot hear the comparisons at all. It’s just lazy journalism really, and as you listen to their records you cannot find a band to compare them to- which is one of the many reasons as to why I love their music.
Crocodiles are a band made for sweaty and intimate venues; venues where you can really soak up the atmosphere and feel like your part of something. I’ve said it many times before, but Crocodiles are easily one of the few bands I would happily watch for the rest of time. They’re just everything I love about music, and their live shows is everything a live show should be. They are a band that need to be seen live even if it is just for the energy they have. You know something special is about to happen when Brandon gets his maracas out! It doesn’t matter where you see Crocs, just know you’ll be in for a mind-blowing time.
The first time I saw them live was in 2012 at Rough Trade; a half hour set was evidently not enough for me so my tally is now up to six times seeing them. Each show is better than the last, but don’t just take my word for it. Each of them are mesmerising to watch; the way Charlie flings his guitar about and plays with such fury is enthralling to watch. If I was a teenager in the prime of my youth seeing them live, I’d leave with a strong desire to start a band. Instead I’m just a 27-year-old who really loves this bloody band. They make you really care about music. They make you want to spend hours in your local record store just looking for that next thing that moves you. They make you want to spend the rest of your life just writing about music and being totally immersed in it.
Off stage they are the most genuine and lovely people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. After last night’s show I didn’t feel I was hanging out with a band I love, but with friends instead. There’s no ego, and that’s what make them fucking awesome. So this is for Crocodiles and their music and to their kindness this weekend. Until next time! (Oh and please always have Virals support because they’re one of the strongest bands in this country right now.)
With Brandon’s seductive glare and Dee Dee’s lustful gaze, Haunted Hearts have put out one of the most alluring videos of the year. Their record, Initiation is out at the end of the month on their Zoo Music label, and if you care about good music then you should probably invest in their releases.
Initiation is a beautifully mellow and spacey record that is made up of moments that make you realise why you love music. I didn’t expect the record to sound like it did at all, meaning it sounds nothing like Dum Dum Girls or Crocodiles. I’m just glad it is only a matter of weeks before it comes out.
The video to Up Is Up features the stunning New York drag collective, Chez Deep. The video will make you want to dance under a disco ball wearing a smile and some heart-shaped sunglasses. It’s a wonderfully shot video that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped out of a Hubert Selby Jr novel (of course I mean Last Exit To Brooklyn.)
Watch the video and allow yourself to be sucked into a glorious world consisting of Haunted Hearts and Chez Deep.
In the first part of my interview with Dee Dee from Dum Dum Girls we talked about her husband, Brandon chasing Patti Smith down a street, being misquoted as saying Guns N Roses were an influence and their performance at this year’s Coachella festival.
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to see Dum Dum Girls live, you will more thank likely leave the show a bigger fan than you were beforehand. It isn’t just Dee Dee that has a gorgeous stage presence; each band member during the live shows seems to be lost in their own world. They jolt their bodies at the same time during certain parts of songs, they all leave you wishing you could play an instrument and more importantly they leave you wanting a more. A good band can put on a solid show, but a great band will leave you thinking of ways to get money to catch the next date on their show. There are a few bands I could happily watch perform live for the rest of time; Dum Dum Girls are in that list for sure. I’m just going by their London shows I’ve seen them at, but their fans are really part of what makes a show. If you can ignore the perverse men in the front row taking equally perverse photos, then you’ll have a good time. Personally I feel if we see someone doing this at a show, we should be allowed to stamp on their camera. Anyway, before I get all mad or whatever let’s just carry on with the interview.
Staying with the live shows, I asked Dee Dee what she would want fans to take from their shows; whether it be the first or tenth time they have seen them live. A live performance can make you gain or lose fans, and sometimes people are less forgiving for a poor live performance. Of course if you have seen the band live you will know what to expect and that’s why you keep going back.
“It depends on the depth of the fan, I think. People who have seen us before and enjoy us, and I think get what we do there’s a different exchange going on than maybe say someone who heard a song somewhere and come to see us. It’s always heartbreaking for me, when someone of course tweets at me, ‘What a boring show. They never move!’ There are so many kinds of performance, we’re not that kind of crazy or out there. We’re not The Who or something! I guess I just hope that there’s an understanding of sincerity. I think we try to perform, we try to entertain in our way.”
I did say to Dee Dee if someone wants to see someone dance around or whatever then they should probably go see Beyoncé or someone. I told her it is obvious you can tell that they love what they do, and if you feel the need to really jump about for no reason on stage then maybe you’re over compensating for something. Take Morrissey for example; he can just stand in the centre of the stage and sing for about 70 minutes, and the fans will leave feeling as if they have witnessed something truly life changing. It’s not all about pointless dance routines and stage talk. It is about how you perform the songs, and you really cannot fake that. Coming Down is back in their set, and you can just really feel the meaning of the song come through when Dee Dee performs it. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried, the song means everything to me. I was standing close to the smoke machine too so….But you can really pick up on the sincerity of the performance from them.
Alright so this month, Dee Dee and Brandon are putting out their record as Haunted Hearts. It’s called Initiation and it’s out on Zoo Music (their label.) It is a bloody good record that is entirely different from what they do in their respected bands. Yet they manage to still bring to the record that familiar sound that lured you into Crocodiles and Dum Dum Girls. Their voices together are beautiful. If you’ve listened to the likes of Blank Girl and Merry Christmas Baby (Please Don’t Die) then you will have heard how well their voices sound together. Initiation has a delicate yet debauched sound and will sit nicely amongst any music fan’s collection.
“We wrote the first two songs that came out as singles last year were written much more collaboratively. It was new territory for both of us. I’m really protective when I’m writing songs, and he is a little bit less because him and Charlie work together but it was still the sort of thing like, ‘Can you leave? Can you go somewhere while I figure out if this is good or not.’ And vice versa. And so it took a lot longer with the remainder of the songs. It’s fun to sit and write together, and for me it was a really new thing so it was cool and I think 4 of the songs were written so collaboratively that I can’t remember who did what, so that’s cool. 1 of them was a weird song that I had written as I suppose, for Dum Dum Girls but never really figured out how to translate and so, made so much more sense and felt like it was waiting for this band really, which was Johnny Jupiter. Then the last song, Bring Me Down which I would say, feels more like a Brandon song than a me song. The interesting thing about that song is that, he and I had written almost identical songs, like the instrumentation was the same and so what we ended up doing was his verses stayed, and I think I wrote lyrically an additional verse using his melody and we then adapted the chorus I had written for my version of the song. And for the bridge we sang over each other because both parts worked.”
It meant a lot to have Dee Dee talk about Bring Me Down as it is my favourite off the Haunted Hearts record, I’m a fan of songs that go over 4 minutes and take you into a different world. Their vocals really work well on this song. You’ve got Brandon’s delicate voice (listen to All My Hate And Hexes to get my point) and you’ve got fragility coming through in Dee Dee’s voice. It’s the perfect song to end the record on, and if they tour this record I hope they put this in their set because it is just a joy to listen to, and to have on repeat.
Initiation has a constant spacey feel to it. You feel as if you’re on a Spiritualized kick when you listen to it. As someone who has never touched drugs, this record does feel like a lucid trip that you don’t want to come down from. Music always gives you that pure high that you can’t find in anything else. Your favourite record will always give you that life affirming buzz that you can’t get elsewhere, and I wanted to know what influenced this record as it is unlike Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles and what feel they were going for when making the record.
“With the first two singles we put out, it was what you would expect. But when we remixed them after we recorded the rest of the album, when we started recording we knew what we wanted to do something different. We knew our references were not going to be guitar music, for the most part. I didn’t play guitar at all; I played synth and he plays guitar, and it’s all drum machine. We wanted to reference, like a lot of the reasons why we love Spacemen 3. And like with Spiritualized, just really lush synth stuff and very groovy bass-lines. You know like, a nod to Motown. Just groovy. I don’t know if it’s trippy weed music or what but, that stuff that really sparkles I think is what we were looking for. We were looking to make dance music that was beautiful, I think. Although I wouldn’t necessary quote me- you can ask him!”
Initiation is a record that you can let your limbs go wild and loose to; it’s got a really freeing feel to it that will make the shyest of dancers jolt and jig in the privacy of their own home.
Zoo Music isn’t just home to their record and Dirty Beaches last release; a few weeks back they put out a record by Denmark’s Gäy. They are teenagers who play like they have just been thrown out of CBGBs for being too young and too wasted. They’ve got a real Television sound going on, and knowing how young they are and how well they play is pretty damn awesome. I wanted to know how they got hold of the band and why (although by listening to them it is fairly obvious) they wanted to work with them.
“They played a show with Crocodiles that no one went to in Copenhagen, and that’s how Brandon knew them. He was obsessed with them, he was like, ‘They’re crazy, they look like murderers!’ The bass player was filming the set on stage. They’ve got Television personalities. They’re great, but I haven’t met them yet. I think they’re really cute and little and Brandon was like, ‘They’re really intense!’ “
Something I’m really interested in is how a band/singer write their songs and how they want their music to be found or heard. When you start off writing something in your cramped room and it then becomes the soundtrack to many people’s lives, is there really a better feeling than that? Dee Dee’s way with words reminds me of how Patti and Shirley Manson write. Careful, simple but extremely effective. You can put Morrissey amongst them also. The best songs are to the point and don’t sugarcoat the ugly feelings we try to hide.
“Usually I have the theme or the chorus; not a catchphrase but the thing that sort of enforces the rest of the song. I usually have that in mind beforehand, and I sit down and I kind of just make something up as I’m writing a verse and once I’ve written the other parts musically, I’ll go back and be more aware of what I’m writing. But it generally just starts kind of free association and I go back to try to refine it. But I do spend a lot of time making sure it is worth being said, at least that’s my intention.”
“If somebody could have a ‘headphone moment’ with a Dum Dum Girls song that would be cool because that’s the kind of fan that I am. You know, having mini life-defining moments while listening to Spiritualized or Brian Eno or something and be like ‘Oh my God! It’s all coming together right now!’ It’s a lofty goal but I hope that sonically it’s enjoyable and I hope that there’s substance that’s observable.”
Towards the end of the interview we talked about having a family feel on tour with regards to the bands they have on tour with them. This tour they have Crocodiles and Vorhees who is also their sound engineer (and was getting changed in the toilets whilst I was interviewing Dee Dee; her shoes are as amazing as her music.) Having that kind of environment on tour, regardless of even how different the support act are makes everything easier. When you see people in the crowd booing a support act or standing looking bored, it’s rude really. We discussed that, that attitude needs to go.
“When you go see a show and it’s cohesive, not necessarily 3 bands that sound the same but there’s a wave to the evening that’s enjoyable and there’s different things highlighted, that to me is how you have a successful show. Not like, ‘Oh my God I’m waiting for the headliner.’ Can we just stop and enjoy the evening. So when I’m trying to find bands to take on tour, there’s always this issue. I just ask bands that I love , and we then figure out if it can work. We just took Blouse on tour in the State, I’ve asked them for years but it never worked out. We just had the best time, and Jules fell in love with their drummer, and they’re still together. It’s everything that could go right on tour went right. It was so lovely. I don’t follow a lot of press, but a lot of the stuff that I did read made note of it being an enjoyable pairing. That we were different but complimentary. The fact that Charlie is such a stunning front-woman, and has this amazing voice and we’re both different in the way we perform but worked. If we take a band on tour, you’ll always see Jules and I out there watching, but on this last tour I saw so many funny photos of us in the wings. Somebody filmed us trying to make Blouse laugh from the side of the stage!”
I ended the conversation telling Dee Dee about a video I saw of Crocodiles online where someone has just filmed her dancing to the band rather than filming the band. Put the camera/phone down, and just enjoy the show!
It was an absolute pleasure to spend a half hour with Dee Dee and just talking about music. She’s got a beautiful spirit that you really pick up on when you talk to her. She makes music that you can truly believe in, and you can’t ask for more than that.
Live music is a powerful thing; seeing your two favourite bands live on the same night is truly something else. You don’t always think it will happen, but when it does you immediately feel part of something. And as an unsure and uncomfortable 27-year-old, I can safely say that music makes me feel part of something. I’m not sure what, but it’s just me and some music. I guess it’s not really anything at all, but we cling onto what we have because we’ve been without for so long.
Before the show I interviewed Dee Dee in the toilets backstage and we shared some whiskey. I’ll write it up over the weekend, when I feel like I am able to do so. It’s one thing to have a quick photo with a band you admire but it goes beyond words when you get to talk to them for half an hour about their music, Patti Smith amongst other things. I’ve spent part of today wishing I had asked Dee Dee some other things, but maybe next time. Who knows.
Both bands are very dear to me, and to finally see them live together was a beautiful experience. Crocodiles set was just Charlie and Brandon, just like how they first started. I never got to see them live as a duo, so this was really special. What did it for me was Jet Boy Jet Girl, a cover song originally done by Elton Motello. The song oozes sexual decadence and sinister wit, themes which sometimes flow through songs by Crocodiles. A brilliant cover and sounds even better live. They even played one of my favourites from Sleep Forever; Hollow Hollow Eyes. Their shows as a duo is equally as passionate and as bold as it is with a full band, and for me it was a pleasure to witness live as I fell in love with their sound back in 2009 when they were still performing as a duo. It was honestly like falling in love with your favourite band all over again. I’m fairly sure I could have worded it better, but if you were there and you love them as much as I do- then you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Watching Charles play the guitar is totally mesmerising, he just makes you wish you could hold a guitar and play it in the most brutal way possible. Throw Brandon’s haunting voice in there, and you’ve got a solid duo that have a sound that towers over the mundane shit you are exposed to. Crocodiles music really comes to life when you see them live. They are quite simply, a band you’ve got to see live. Brandon and Charlie make you want to find a like-minded individual and make your own noise; it’s never too late. Remember that. It’s so good to see both of them lose themselves in the music; Charles throws his guitar about and Brandon gloriously flails his limbs on stage. I just love their sound.
*My photo but not my hand.
I don’t know where to begin when writing about Dum Dum Girls, but they take to the stage and open with the gripping Mine Tonight. End Of Daze was (and of course still is) a truly beautiful EP. An EP that makes you want more and more from the band, but is also the perfect way to follow-up on previous releases. The setlist from their Scala show was nothing short of perfect; from the enthusiasm that echoes throughout Bedroom Eyes to the sheer romanticism flowing through Rest Of Our Lives. What I adore about Dum Dums is that when you see them live, you really do witness a band that love what they do, and of course, they love each other. The thing Dee Dee wanted the crowd to take from this show (and the rest of the tour) is love. Love for each other, for their fans and for what they do. As you watch them on stage each of them fall into the music in their own way. Malia moves freely on the stage with the bass, Sandy beats the shit out of the drums and leaves you in awe of how someone can play like that, Andrew sways at the back in an angelic fashion (and has beautiful hair), Jules smiles at the crowd as she sees those who are really feeling the songs and Dee Dee prowls the stage like a wild cat. Each of them lure you in with their sheer passion for what they do. If you don’t love what you do, then don’t do it.
Like Crocodiles, Dum Dums are a band I would (and won’t) ever grow tired of seeing live. The way the songs come to life on stage is enough to make you have a little cry. I’m not ashamed to admit I got teary eyed during Are You Okay (it’s the “I’m reckless at night, I’m sorry for days”line that really hits me in the heart) and of course, the last song of the night Coming Down does something to me that not many songs do. Anyone who has heard this song knows which part exactly that does something to them. As soon as Dee Dee hits that high note, you feel weak but also a wave of strength hits you. Coming Down is a song I turn to when everything just seems askew, and to finally witness it live and to sing it back to the band is a gorgeous experience. If you’re going to do a review of a show, you might as well put your all into it. I really don’t get why you wouldn’t. I wish I had the money to have gone to more than one show, because they really are one of the strongest bands I have seen live. To see them lose themselves in the music and to bring it all to life is nothing short of inspirational.
*Again, not my hands!
One thing I have noticed (okay so I’ve only seen them twice) is that those who attend a Dum Dums show make for a lovely crowd. There is no dickish or loutish behaviour. People are there for the most important thing; the music and the love for it.
How I’m supposed to not be biased when writing this review is beyond me. I’m unsure how to detach myself from the love I have for Crocodiles and Dum Dum Girls in order to write something that make sense. But, I’m not proper music publication so I guess I can say what I want and be as biased as I like.
Firstly, this record sounds NOTHING like I was expecting. It’s really really odd and it feels like David Bowie and Jason Pierce got it on, and made something truly mind-blowing. I mean, of course this record is going to be perfect you know? That’s because both front two of the best bands around (and most hardworking.) If you look at DDG and Crocs tour schedule, you’ll probably be left wondering when they have time to think let alone sleep. But you don’t get to be the greatest band around by sitting on your tush.
Initiation makes you feel like you’re in space and on acid. I’ve never been to space nor have I have ever dropped acid (or any other drug, but I don’t hold militant views.) Being sent the promo is pretty much the highlight of my week, and no doubt I will be playing this all the way to Brussels this weekend. It’s got a spacey European feel to it. It’s just an excellent record from start to finish.
It opens with the seductive Initiate Me; and I’m sure if the likes of Alfred de Musset, Baudelaire and the rascal that was, Marquis De Sade were still alive they’d probably be listening to this record and fully enjoying the seductive nature of this record. What is brilliant about the record is that, it sounds nothing like their own bands. Go into it blind and pretend you’ve never heard of either band to really get this record.
The record was made in the winter of 2012. All they had for company was themselves, books, Motown and Krautrock. Personally, I see nothing wrong with this. If anything it would be quite heavenly. There’s a lot of love, lust and desire on this record. It’s beautifully perverse at times, and if you can’t be decadent in your art then what is the point?
I really love Dee Dee’s voice on Love Incognito; her voice has a bit more bite to it than on a DDG record, but her distinctive sound remains throughout. She’s got the kind of voice you wish you had, she truly shines on this song. You can’t help but wish you witnessed some of the recordings of this record. Love Incognito is probably going to be the song that I’ll play to death before moving onto the final song, Bring Me Down.
Bring Me Down is a gentle love song that is just 5 and a half minutes of Brandon’s voice really getting to you. What I truly love about this record is the way their voices work together. If you go back to DDG’s debut, I Will Be you will hear just how divine their voices are together on Blank Girl (I hope they play this at their London show.) When Dee Dee’s voice comes in on Bring Me Down it adds a more angelic feel to it. Bring Me Down feels like a hymn for lovers, it is truly a gorgeous song and a perfect one to end this remarkable record on.
Up Is Up (But So Is Down) has got to be that Summertime song we all seek out. It’s got that sunset feel to it, as you head into the dusk with the sun blinding you less and less, and you become less stuck to your (fake) leather jacket. It’s just a stunning hazy track to dream to, you’ll have no problems with shutting the world off to this one. I love the way they sing, “She’s gonna love you until she’s dead.”A simple statement of romanticism.
Something That Feels Bad sounds totally different. It’s a fixed up version of what we heard last year, but still as gorgeous. I love the line, “You can tie me up if I can tie you down.” It’s the ultimate decadent love song. Why settle for typical and conventional when you can have something like this?
Initiation isn’t a record that’s going to just please fans of Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles, it’ll move those that really really love music and are bored of the mundane drivel that some outlets project to us. Everything about this record is just really strange and magical. It’s a love filled record which exploits all the things that I want a record to sound like. Initiation is a flawless work of art that you can tell was made with love and care.
I’ve failed at not being biased or putting aside my admiration for them both, but what’s the point in not writing like a fan? I can’t pull a record apart and tell you why it sucks. I can only tell you why I love it so. The alternative however, is if you buy the record for yourself on 27th May. You’ll probably get what I’m trying to say, maybe I’ll work out what I’m trying to say.
But here’s to Brandon and Dee Dee; a beautiful couple who have put out one of the year’s finest record.
Beat In My Bones. 