Liverpool’s experimental psych-rock riser Captain Crocodile returns with the new single ‘Black Lungs’ (November 29th), released ahead of the forthcoming EP Moon Presence (January 17th).
The solo project of Jack Norrie, Captain Crocodile has built a reputation for his evocative blend of raw yet mellow psychedelia. Now recording and writing with his live band: Aaron Stafford (Lead Guitar) Emiliano Del Toro (Drums), and Rohan Kapoor (Bass), the new single ‘Black Lungs’ is a prime example of Captain Crocdile’s atmospheric yet gritty sound and introspective, emotive lead vocals.
Opening with a swell of wobbling, modulated guitar tones, subtle synth and warming bass, the track soon introduces the deep, gentle and melancholic lead vocals, creating a tone that floats between uneasy and blissfully ethereal. Building momentum, gradually introducing drums as the vocals rise to a more gritty higher register, the track eventually builds to a wall of muted cymbal heavy drums and fuzzy guitar tones building an overall sound which is comparable to King Krule.
Thematically ‘Black Lungs’ dives into the complexities of self-doubt, routine, and the coping mechanisms we develop in moments of distress – themes which are approached across the full upcoming EP. Captain Crocodile explains: “The EP in its essence is about the inability to move on, when you get caught up in a vicious cycle of monotony that you aren’t able to break from. In the case of ‘My Black Lungs,’ it’s about my nasty smoking habit I picked up to cope with my anxiety & stress during a year. I felt very displaced and dissociated.”
Both the new single and upcoming EP were self produced by Jack Norrie himself, developing a distinctive style that blends elements of post-punk, lo-fi psychedelia, and indie rock with hints of influence from artists like King Krule, Crumb, and Fontaines DC.
Captain Crocodile has seen significant traction with past releases, achieving notable playlist placements and building a reputation as an exciting live artist opening for well-known acts including Nightbus, La Sécurité, Stealing Sheep and Drahla.
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