The Growlers in Austin

About The Growlers

The Growlers are an Orange County indie rock band that emerged in the late 2000s with a sound that blends surf rock languor with garage rock grit. Built around Brooks Nielsen's deadpan vocals, they've developed a reputation for moody, hypnotic tracks that feel both detached and deeply felt. Their earlier work carried a stoned, coastal vibe—think lazy afternoons that suddenly snap into focus. Songs like 'City Club' showcased their ability to construct simple melodies that burrow into your head, while tracks like 'Artificial Light' demonstrated darker, more introspective leanings. The band has evolved beyond their initial Beach Goth aesthetic while maintaining the core appeal: songs that sound effortless but aren't, lyrics that reveal themselves slowly, and a general refusal to seem like they're trying too hard.

Their shows move at their own pace—no false energy, just a steady, almost hypnotic pull. Crowds tend to sway rather than thrash. Nielsen's delivery stays cool and measured even in intimate venues, which somehow makes songs hit harder. They're the band you watch rather than the band that demands your participation.

Known for City Club, Sunshine, Artificial Light, Floating, The One That Got Away

The Growlers in Austin News

• The Growlers Announce Summer 2020 Tour Glide Magazine · Jan 23, 2020
• The Growlers Announce ‘Natural Affair’ Summer 2020 Tour Live For Live Music · Jan 21, 2020
• The Growlers announce "Natural Affair" summer tour dates BrooklynVegan · Jan 21, 2020
• The Growlers Tickets, Concerts & 2026 Tour Dates Event Tickets Center · Jun 26, 2018
• The Growlers share new song "Late Bloomers" Northern Transmissions · Jun 1, 2017

Live Music in Austin

Austin's music scene has always had room for the weird and the woozy alongside its country and indie staples. The Growlers fit that tradition—their hazy, introspective take on surf-rock and garage pop aligns with Austin's taste for bands that prioritize atmosphere over flash. The city's venues and crowds have consistently championed artists who sound like they're operating just slightly outside the mainstream.

Austin road trip to see The Growlers?

Stay in East Austin, where you'll find better restaurants and a neighborhood that actually feels alive. Dinner at Suerte—confident, creative food in a space that doesn't try too hard. During the day, wander the galleries and vintage shops along East 6th, or head to Zilker Park to sit with a coffee and watch Austin be itself. If you've got time, catch live music at Mohawk or Hotel Vegas—smaller rooms where you can see how Austin's songwriting community actually operates. The city's best asset isn't any single thing; it's the density of good people doing interesting work.