"Crocodiles" is the debut album by the British post-punk band Echo & the Bunnymen. It was released on 18 July 1980, through record label Korova. The album reached number 17 on the UK Albums Chart. "Pictures on My Wall" and "Rescue" were released as singles from the album, with the latter earning the band their first top 20 UK hit.
Echo & the Bunnymen, originally formed in 1978, consisted of vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant, bass player Les Pattinson, and a drum machine, famously known as Echo. Despite the band's lack of a human drummer on this album, it features a fast-paced, rock-influenced post-punk sound, with elements of psychedelia.
Propelled by their unique sound, unruly hairstyles, and the mysterious Echo, the band quickly made a name for themselves in the UK music scene, and this debut album has since come to be seen as a significant release in the post-punk era.
"Crocodiles" was primarily produced by Ian Broudie, who later achieved fame with his band The Lightning Seeds. The album was met with positive reviews from music critics, with particular praise for its singles "Pictures on My Wall" and "Rescue". While it launched their career in the UK, Echo & the Bunnymen didn't gain widespread recognition in the United States until their next couple of albums.
"Crocodiles" is appreciated today for its encapsulation of post-punk energy and youthful rebellion, and Echo & the Bunnymen have continued to leave a lasting impact on the post-punk and alternative rock genres.
