Rhino / Wea
2003
Crocodiles (Remastered)
About This Album
Inspired by psychedelia, sure. Bit of Jim Morrison in the vocals? Okay, it's there. But for all the references and connections that can be drawn (and they can), one listen to Echo's brilliant, often harrowing debut album and it's clear what a unique, special band presents itself here. Beginning with the dramatic, building climb of "Going Up," Crocodiles at once showcases four individual players sure of their own gifts, and their ability to bring it all together to make things more than the sum of their parts. Will Sergeant, in particular, is a revelation -- arguably only Johnny Marr and Vini Reilly were better English guitarists from the '80s, eschewing typical guitar-wank, overload showboating in favor of delicacy, shades, and inventive, unexpected melodies. More than many before or since, he plays the electric guitar as just that, electric not acoustic, dedicated to finding out what can be done with it while never using it as an excuse to bend frets. His highlights are legion, whether it's the hooky opening chime of "Rescue," or the exchanges of sound and silence in "Happy Death Men." Meanwhile, the Les Pattinson/Pete DeFreitas rhythm section stakes its own claim for greatness, the former's bass driving, yet almost seductive; the latter's percussion constantly shifting rhythms and styles while never leaving the central beat of the song to die.
Track List (try tracks 2,4,7,10 and 11)

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