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The Growlers
Date
April 2, 2026
Location
San Antonio, Texas
Taken by Mali Lares
The Growlers at Emo’s felt like stepping into a hazy, late-night space that hovered somewhere between nostalgia and unpredictability. The lighting leaned dark and moody, adding a subdued atmosphere, but it never overshadowed what was happening onstage.
What made the set stand out was the contrast between that dim, almost dreamlike setting and the band’s energy. Their sound carried a raw, garage-rock edge, but it was balanced by a steady sense of rhythm that kept everything grounded. Brooks Nielsen anchored the performance with vocals that were raspy and expressive, landing somewhere between controlled and unfiltered in a way that gave the songs real character.
Formed in Huntington Beach in the mid-2000s, The Growlers built their reputation on a DIY approach and a sound they once described as “beach goth”. A mix of surf, garage rock, psychedelia, and offbeat pop that, over time, has shifted, incorporating more rhythm-driven, synth-influenced elements without losing the slightly rough, unpolished core that defines them.
Instrumentally, the band stayed locked in without feeling rigid. The guitars moved between bright, jangly tones and slightly warped textures, while the rhythm section anchored everything with an easy groove. Songs didn’t linger in one mood; they stretched and shifted, sometimes laid-back, other times more danceable. What kept it engaging was how natural it felt. Fluid without losing control, and always ready to turn in a new direction.
By the end, the show didn’t rely on big, dramatic peaks or over-the-top moments. Instead, it stayed consistent in its tone and delivery, pulling the audience in through its atmosphere and sound rather than spectacle. It felt immersive without being overwhelming. Just a band fully settled into their style, letting it unfold in its own way.
