Crocodiles Relish Time in Toronto After Tough Border Crossing -- NXNE

Up-and-coming San Diego noise rockers Crocodiles' first gig in Canada saw a who's who of Toronto scenesters ram the small Silver Dollar bar for a trance-inducing set with a thick coat of 'sticky' due to the mist-rain humidity factor.

It was clear from the outset the real gem of the band is Charles Rowell and his wall-of-sound guitar skill, an ode to stoned-out influences of shoegaze and '60s psychedelia. The addition of three band members to the core duo, including Anna Schulte from the Slits on drums, gave the show a slight punk kick (as did singer Brandon Welchez's Misfits tee).

After the set, Rowell told Spinner he was so far impressed with his first visit to Toronto ("It's really multicultural here") where they'll play a three-day NXNE residency thanks to Canada's infamous booker Dan Burke, who was celebrating the band with beer and group hugs. "I've never seen somebody more dedicated to rock 'n' roll," Rowell commented.

Tonight was especially sweet -- and perhaps Burke had something to do with this -- since the Crocs actually got past Canadian boarder guards: "They were actually really mean to us this time," Rowell says. "A couple of us have criminal records." These DUI and drug possession charges meant Crocodiles have often toured upper U.S. but skipped Toronto.

Making the best of their stay, Rowell says they'll soup up their next sets with some covers -- Brian Eno, Velvet Underground and their scuzzy version of Deee-Lite's dance classic 'Groove Is in the Heart.'

Watch Crocodiles Perform Live in San Diego, 2011
See Spinner's Complete Coverage of NXNE 2011
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