“Crocodile” and “Sign Of Growth” by The Dawdler

 

     The guitar during the intro of “Crocodile" bears melodic differences from the 1965 classic, but the guitar has a charm and timbre that brings an anticipation of hearing Simon and Garfunkel harmonize “Hello darkness, my old friend.” Of course, that duo’s harmony never arrives. Instead, the vocals are engaging, reverb-heavy falsetto. Coincidently, the lyrics of “Crocodile” and “Sound of Silence” are both about introspection as a result of dreaming. But the messaging of “Crocodile” is significantly more layered. John Edgar, who drives The Dawdler, explains:
   “The lyrics to ‘Crocodile’ are based on a dream. A game of chess with a crocodile that develops into a terrifying chase with murderous intentions. Probably my subconsciousness’s reaction to the rise of fascism and the anxiety inducing polarisation of the socio-political landscape. The options presented in the lyrics are to face the fears head on and fight, or to somehow retreat into the solar system – dancing with the moon and sleeping on Saturn’s rings.”
 
     The first half of “Crocodile” includes other features, but it is driven by the guitar and vocals. The second half is more lush and instrumentally sophisticated. The synth builds in particular are praiseworthy.

     “Crocodile" by The Dawdler 

 
     “Sign Of Growth” takes the synth builds to an even higher level. Again, the early portion is primarily vocals and guitar. But the vocals are less melodic, more syncopated. And again, the later portion is synth-driven. But the synth in “Sign Of Growth” is orchestral and the build is more elongated. “Crocodile” and “Sign Of Growth” are creatively connected; yet there are strong arguments for favoring either one over the other.
 
     “Sign Of Growth” is the title track of an upcoming EP by The Dawdler. The song was inspired by the short film “Dear Araucaria,” which is about a crossword setter named John Graham. Graham let his dedicated crossword followers know of his impending death in the form of crossword clues. John Edgar explained:
   “It destroyed me. The way Araucaria connected to his solvers. Deep bonds formed through codes and clues, never having met any of his devotees. It’s just an utterly beautiful story. Needless to say, I love crosswords.”
 

“Sign Of Growth” by The Dawdler 

       The Dawdler is vocalist/composer John Edgar from Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. The credits of “Sign of Growth” state that the song was produced by Will Thorneycroft. Because Thorneycroft has played instruments for earlier songs by The Dawdler, we assume the same is true for “Crocodile” and “Sign of Growth.” Another prior contributor is Dave Turnbull.
 
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