The Growlers came out of Dana Point, California in 2006 and coined “beach goth” for their hazy blend of surf rock, garage, psychedelia, and post-punk. Chinese Fountain (2014) is the entry point, and City Club (2016) — produced by Julian Casablancas — leans darker and moodier. Find The Growlers vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Growlers formed in Dana Point, California in 2006. The band centers on vocalist Brooks Nielsen and guitarist Matt Taylor, with a lineup that has shifted over the years. They coined the term beach goth to describe their hazy, genre-blending sound, and founded the Beach Goth festival, which grew into a notable Southern California event. The band built its following through prolific output and constant touring.
The Growlers play a blend of surf rock, garage rock, psychedelia, and post-punk, characterized by reverb-soaked guitars, Nielsen's laconic vocals, and a loose, lo-fi atmosphere. Their self-described beach goth aesthetic combines breezy California textures with darker, moodier undertones.
The band's catalog has appeared in colored-vinyl variants across its labels, and City Club, produced by Julian Casablancas for Cult Records, is of particular interest. Earlier independent pressings are collected by fans of the garage and psych scenes.
Listeners new to The Growlers often start with Chinese Fountain (2014) or City Club (2016). For related listening, see and .
