Los Angeles rock duo Crocodiles return to Utrecht in July

Los Angeles rock duo Crocodiles return with their latest album Upside Down In Heaven, continuing a creative partnership that stretches back more than two decades. Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell first crossed paths as teenagers in San Diego’s punk scene, bonding over chaotic live shows and a shared determination to escape the monotony of everyday life through music. After early projects and years spent touring the United States with their noise-punk band The Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower, the pair eventually refined their vision and formed Crocodiles, blending noisy rock energy with melodic pop sensibilities.

Over the years the duo has experimented with different line-ups, cities, and sounds, moving between places such as San Diego, New York, Paris, Mexico City, London, and Los Angeles while releasing a steady stream of albums and touring extensively around the world. Their eighth album, Upside Down In Heaven, was recorded at Quiksilver Studios in St. Jean de Luz, France, with producer Maxime Smadja and a supporting rhythm section featuring Atef Aouadhi and Diego Dal Bon. True to the band’s eclectic style, the record jumps between punchy punk-pop, gritty garage rock, fuzz-soaked pop hooks, danceable rhythms, and darker death-rock influences.

The ten-track release captures Crocodiles sounding sharper than ever, delivering energetic, power-pop-leaning songs with a hazy, shoegaze-tinged atmosphere. Tracks like “Love Beyond the Grave,” “Deadbeat,” and the title song showcase the band’s knack for catchy riffs and driving momentum, while unexpected touches—such as bursts of saxophone or standout guitar work—add variety to the record. Upside Down In Heaven is a vibrant, summer-ready album that highlights why Crocodiles have remained a consistent presence in the modern rock ’n’ roll underground.

This summer the band will play in Utrecht:
10/07: Utrecht, NL - TivoliVredenburg with The Datsuns and Daddy Long Legs