Song of the Day: Crocodiles - I Like It In The Dark

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “I Like It In The Dark” by Crocodiles from the 2013 album Crimes of Passion on Frenchkiss.

Crocodiles - I Like It In The Dark (MP3)

San Diego's ragged Crocodiles combine noisy garage rock and melodic psychedelia that flirts with chaos as much as it does pop. Formed by Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell in 2008 after their prior groups dissolved, the duo gained notoriety around Southern California for their potent live shows. Since then, they've released four albums in five years, the latest of which, Crimes of Passion, was produced with Sune Rose Wagner of fellow noise-pop stalwarts The Raveonettes. The opening track on Crimes of Passion, "I Like It In The Dark" plays it loose and fast with both distortion and melody. Wildly yelping background vocals, stabbing guitars, and the occasional honky tonk piano accent Welchez' messy snarl. When he sings "I don't have time for the graveyard of the mind they call shame", it's a forthcoming declaration that takes pride in its ramshackle nature, suggesting that it may not be less dangerous with the lights out after all.

Crocodiles are on tour behind Crimes of Passion all fall, but they don't have any Northwestern dates on their docket at the moment. Keep up with the band on their Facebook and website for any updates, and watch the band play "Mirrors" live on KEXP in 2011.