Who: Over the years, The Growlers’ roster has been an ever-moving carousel, but, as of today, it comprises singer Brooks Nielsen, guitarist Matt Taylor and keyboardist/guitarist Kyle Straka. The band formed in Dana Point, California, in 2006, and has since released six albums and three EPs.
Sound: The band and its cult-like following call it “beach goth.” Basically, it’s surf-rock, country, psychedelia, pop and garage-rock with hazy, lo-fi packaging. The cherry on-top: Nielsen’s raspy, drunken-like drawl—part Bob Dylan, part Jim Morrison. For starters, listen to the mystic bounce of “One Million Lovers” from the band’s 2013 LP, Hung at Heart.
Key releases: Many fan favorites, like the keyboard-heavy “Hiding Under Covers” and ’60s-inspired sing-along “Someday,” can be found in band’s early catalog (Gilded Pleasures and Hung at Heart, respectively), but these days, the band’s live sets draw mostly from its disaster-born 2014 album, Chinese Fountain. Nielsen & Co. wrote the album, which features “Big Toe” and “Going Gets Tough,” at a friend’s house after a fireworks accident rendered The Growlers’ studio useless. After moderate success on the mainstream and indie circuits, the group signed with Cult Records—a label run by The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas—and released 2016’s City Club, which presents a cleaner, more polished Growlers.
The latest: The Growlers are on a nationwide tour to support City Club through May, then head to England, Spain and France to do the same. Beyond that details are shady. Perhaps they’ll take a break after touring for 10 years.
The Growlers May 5-6, 9 p.m., $30-$49. Vinyl, 702-693-5583.
