The Growlers in San Francisco

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 San Francisco News

• The Growlers Announce Summer 2020 Tour Glide Magazine · Jan 23, 2020
• The Growlers announce "Natural Affair" summer tour dates BrooklynVegan · Jan 21, 2020
• The Growlers Announce 2020 ‘Natural Affair’ Spring Tour Live For Live Music · Oct 14, 2019
• 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 San Francisco

San Francisco's always had this weird split between its serious indie rock credibility and its tendency to overthink everything. The Growlers operate in that space where lo-fi production and DIY ethos actually mean something, not just as aesthetic choices but as constraints that shape the music. There's enough post-punk revivalism and garage rock nostalgia in the city's clubs to make them feel at home, even if they've never played here before.

San Francisco road trip to see The Growlers?

Stay in Hayes Valley or the Mission—both neighborhoods have the kind of restaurants and bars that make a weekend feel deliberate rather than touristy. Head to State Bird Provisions for dinner if you can get in; it's precise and inventive without being pretentious. Spend a day in Muir Woods or hiking around Twin Peaks for actual views of the city. The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park is worth a couple hours if the weather holds. Hit up a coffee place on Valencia Street in the Mission just to sit and watch the neighborhood move around you.