Krokodil

Krokodil are a Swiss rock group from Zurich, active from 1969 onwards. They emerge in the late 1960s as a blues-rock band and develop progressive elements in their music. The group is associated with psychedelic rock and rock, and their sound also includes blues rock, progressive rock and krautrock.

Early style and line-up

The band is of German-Swiss background, with bassist and guitarist Terry Stevens the only non-Swiss member, coming from England. Hardy Hepp and Walty Anselmo are among the group’s members.

Albums and musical development

Krokodil’s first album leads them to be seen as a Swiss equivalent of the Groundhogs. From their second album, Swamp, they introduce a stronger psychedelic direction. This approach is especially developed on Invisible World Revealed, which uses mellotron, organ, harmonica and flute, supported by acoustic guitar. The album also includes eastern and Indian influences through sitar and tabla on the 15-minute suite “Odyssey In Om”. On this record, blues elements remain present but sit alongside psychedelia, ethnic sounds and vocal harmonies.

Later direction

Getting Up For The Morning, issued on Bacillus, continues the same general style. It is more concise and more song-oriented than its predecessor.