What is the best The Growlers album to start with?

The best album to start with is "City Club" (2016). It's the most representative of what makes The Growlers worth hearing.

What are the best The Growlers albums?

The essential The Growlers albums include "Are You In Or Out?" (2009), "Hot Tropics" (2011), "Hung at Heart" (2013), "City Club" (2016) and "Casual Acquaintances" (2018).

How many albums does The Growlers have?

The Growlers has 25 releases in their discography, including 15 albums and 7 EPs.

Photo: Shane Hirschman · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Growlers

Q: Who is The Growlers for?

If you're into garage rock, The Growlers is worth your time. With gritty guitar riffs layered over relaxed rhythms, their music pulses with a carefree bounce that invites both movement and introspection.

With gritty guitar riffs layered over relaxed rhythms, their music pulses with a carefree bounce that invites both movement and introspection.

garage rock

United States Est. 2006

Read about The Growlers on Bookshop

Start here

The album

City Club (2016)

Showcases The Growlers' signature blend of garage rock with a laid-back vibe, making it accessible for new listeners while highlighting their unique sound.

The song

“Late Bloomers” from Casual Acquaintances

Features an engaging hook and embodies the band's relaxed yet gritty style, serving as a strong introduction to their music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Something Someone Jr." — from Are You In Or Out? (2009)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Problems III" — from Casual Acquaintances (2018)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Graveyard's Full" — from Hot Tropics (2011)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Someday" — from Hung at Heart (2013)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"Big Toe" — from Chinese Fountain (2014)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"City Club" — from City Club (2016)

establishes the sonic palette early

About The Growlers

The Growlers matter because they carve out a space where the carefree spirit of California surf culture collides with the raw energy of garage rock, offering a fresh yet nostalgic sound that resonates deeply.

Their blend of playful irreverence and earnestness has captured the attention of a generation seeking authenticity in an increasingly manufactured musical landscape, fostering a community that celebrates both the absurd and the sincere. Their approach is characterized by a willingness to embrace spontaneity and lo-fi aesthetics, often recording in unconventional settings that capture the essence of their live performances. This invites listeners into an intimate experience, as if they are sharing a secret between friends rather than consuming polished studio work. The band's ability to shift from gritty riffs to laid-back grooves highlights their dynamic range while maintaining an underlying sense of fun and mischief. Lyrically, The Growlers often explore themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships, balancing irony with heartfelt sincerity. Their storytelling approach tends to weave vivid imagery with relatable narratives, evoking a sense of wistfulness that invites reflection while simultaneously encouraging revelry. Straddling the line between whimsical and poignant, their music feels like a soundtrack to life’s messy moments.

15 studio albums· 25 total releases· 1 decade· United States