The songwriting dynamic that exists between Brooks Nielsen and Matt Taylor is one in a million. With Taylor on guitar, Nielsen has proved time and time again that he is the perfect match for this prolific artist. Nielsen channels the pure songwriting ability of Taylor into lyrics that prove to be quite endearing. The two have lead their band, The Growlers, through a whirlwind of touring and producing records for almost a decade all the while maintaining a modest following in their home turf of Costa Mesa, California. The band has created a catalogue that boasts a very unique style that can best be compared to old Western music especially in their 2010 album, Hot Tropics. Most music critics just put them in the garage rock group. The Growlers actually took to creating their own name for this unique style: "Beach Goth".
The band's most impressive album so far, Hung At Heart, was released earlier this year and presents a more accessible experience. The recording quality of this record is a little more low fi than its predecessors, however, it sets the mood perfectly. Rumors hold that Black Keys member Dan Auerbach was supposed to be behind the recording process but was dropped from the position. Whether or not this is true, the band still delivers the same mix of charm and manic grooves that you know and love. There are many catchy tracks on this record such as "Someday","Living In a Memory", and "Pet Shop Eyes". In fact, almost every track on the record is catchy in its own way which can range from brooding rock rhythms to poppy beach tunes. The presence of an organ style keyboard on some of the tracks really adds a nice touch which can prove to be either menacing or sweet. Hung At Heart is a very solid record and proves to be quite addicting. 8/10
Favorite Tracks: Someday, Salt On A Slug, Burden of the Captain
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