Liverpool-based experimental psych-rocker Captain Crocodile shares the beguiling, King Krule-esque new single ‘Black Lungs’. The tracloffers a first glimpse at the upcoming EP, Moon Presence, which is slated for release on January 17th.
The project of Jack Norrie and co-producer/ songwriter Raye, Captain Crocodile has earned acclaim for a distinctive blend of raw yet mellow psychedelia. With the addition of his live band—Aaron Stafford on lead guitar, Emiliano Del Toro on drums, and Rohan Kapoor on bass—the project has expanded its sonic palette, and ‘Black Lungs’ serves as a prime example of this evolution. The song is a textured, atmospheric piece that combines introspective lyricism with gritty, emotive instrumentation.
‘Black Lungs’ begins with a swell of modulated guitar tones, subtle synth layers, and a grounding bassline that immediately sets a contemplative tone. Norrie’s deep and melancholic lead vocals enter with a gentle, almost ethereal quality, floating between unease and tranquility. As the track progresses, the instrumentation builds in intensity, adding layers of cymbal-heavy drums and fuzzy guitars, culminating in a cathartic finale. The result is a soundscape that evokes comparisons to King Krule, blending an introspective edge with dynamic sonic shifts.
Thematically, ‘Black Lungs’ delves into self-doubt, routine, and the coping mechanisms that emerge in response to personal struggles. Norrie reflects on his own experiences, explaining, “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 ‘Black Lungs’, it’s about my nasty smoking habit I picked up to cope with my anxiety and stress during a year. I felt very displaced and dissociated.”
Self-produced by Norrie, ‘Black Lungs’ showcases his ability to craft immersive soundscapes that blend post-punk, lo-fi psychedelia, and indie rock.
Listen below:
