Crocodiles Spit at CMJ

You know what you don't see at rock 'n' roll shows too much these days? A lead singer who spits onstage -- not just a slobber down the cheek, but a full-on spray like Crocodiles lead singer Brandon Welchez did midway through the band's Bowery Ballroom CMJ set on Saturday. He arched his back so his head momentarily was parallel to the ground, then let out a vicious spray into the stage lights, letting his saliva rain back down on him.

But Welchez is a pro with his antagonisms. Whether it's calling out Internet haters or the controversial Sherriff Joe Arpaio, the band carefully skirts the line of impropriety, and in this instance, Welchez's spit confined itself to his own radius instead of dousing the front row.

Spitting instances aside, Crocodiles are one of the more rewarding disciples of the Jesus and Mary Chain and Galaxie 500 pack. While they record as a two piece, they flesh out songs live as a five piece, allowing for more opportunities to layer guitars and noise upon more guitars and noise. 'All My Hate and My Hexes Are for You' finds Welchez playing more with washed-over vocal effects, reminiscent of how the Raveonettes approach melody. On songs like the hard-driving 'Mirrors' or the bass assault of 'Stoned to Death,' the vocals almost seem secondary, which has always characterized the shoegaze movement. Though unintentional, Crocodiles' sound is indebted to the very notion of CMJ, who's early years championed this sound when no other would.

CMJ happens to be just a pit-stop for the San Diego band, as they continue their 'Sleep Forever' tour, which concludes at Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest on Nov. 7.