Muscle Memory by CROCODYLUS

words by Jasmin Williams 

The Feature Album this week on 2SER is Muscle Memory, the mind-blowing debut album from Northern Beaches three-piece, Crocodylus.

Despite the ins and outs of the past few years, Crocodylus have emerged victorious with their stellar 14-track LP, Muscle Memory. A powerful fusion of alternative, indie and psychedelic rock, this is one of the strongest debuts of the year.

The album came to a start in August of 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. The title is a direct reference to the hit the music industry took during lockdowns, and the struggle and hard work that it has taken to build live music back up to its ‘former glory’. Despite this, we are aided by muscle memory to help bring this back. 

The album takes listeners on a journey through genres, hooking them in, and leaving them with a simple goodbye. 

The first track, ‘Can’t Understand’ is vibrant and full of good energy. A perfect opening track, which leaves you craving more once it finishes, this song is one for a loud car ride home. Followed by the track ‘YOU’, the bright guitar riffs and Josh William’s distinct vocals drive the song, with the drums providing a pulse to keep toes tapping. The next track ‘Make Believing’, follows from the ones before, with everything coming together to form a cohesive, solid track guaranteed to hit the spot. At the risk of sounding childish, these songs are reminiscent of driving to the beach, the catchy choruses and bright guitar evokes nostalgia for hot summer days. This section of the album has an indie-rock sound, with solid beats and strong riffs.

Further into the album following the interlude, the tone shifts into more of a psych-rock, with Person Suit sounding very reminiscent of tracks from King Gizzard. Followed swiftly by Home Invasion, this is one of those songs that you know gets crowds going at gigs, which is exactly what we need heading back into this new era of live music. 

After the deep psych tracks ‘Levitating Man’, ‘Skeletoniser’, and ‘Unnecessary Pressure’, the album takes yet another turn as listeners are greeted with bright acoustic guitar in ‘Untitled.’ Closing out the album, ‘House on the Hill’ and ‘Muscle Memory’ are calmer, acoustic-based tracks that close out the album perfectly. 

So, if you’re a fan of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Spacey Jane or The Vaans, this is right up your alley. There is nothing but big things in store for these guys. Keep them on your radar, you’ll want to say you were here before they were huge.

This is one of the best debuts of the year, so get your hands on it now, available on Spotify now or for pre-order on red marble vinyl here.