Album Review: "City Club" By The Growlers | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Album Review: "City Club" By The Growlers

With this record The Growlers have moved themselves on from beach goth.

261
Album Review: "City Club" By The Growlers
Taylor Bonin

The Growlers' musical sound has always seemed to stick close to the odd, surf-y, psychedelic, rock 'n roll that the band have dubbed "beach goth." Yet, although the their past releases have exhibited all the sonic categories of this genre, The Growlers recently steered themselves away from being stereotyped as simply a beach goth band. Their latest LP, "City Club," released September 30th on Cult Records, adds some synth and removes some surf from the band's sound. Produced by Julian Casablancas, frontman of The Strokes, Julian Casablancas+The Voidz and owner/founder of Cult Records, and Shawn Everett who has worked with bands such as Weezer, Lucius, Alabama Shakes and The Voidz (to name a few), "City Club" is sounding more polished than The Growlers have ever sounded before.

Shawn Everett, Julian Casablancas, and Growlers guitarist Matt Taylor in studio - 📷 Taylor Bonin

The album contains songs that range anywhere from the "Chinese Fountain"-esque, to heavy, synth-laden tracks like "Vacant Lot," the mellower ever-so-dreamy "When You Were Made" and to the slow, ballad-type "Blood Of A Mutt." The record is filled with compelling bass lines, and most of the album showcases playful, upbeat rhythms you couldn't help but dance to. While every song has its role in making this LP stand out in The Growlers' repertoire, in my opinion, the crowning jewel of "City Club" is the 11th track, "Too Many Times." The song features Julian Casablancas, who delivers the mesmerizing second verse, complementing Brooks Nielsen's vocals with his own and adding a whole new layer to the feel of the song.

Growlers singer Brooks Nielsen with a vinyl of "City Club" on the day of its release - 📷 Taylor Bonin

The LP exhibits many differences in its sound as compared to previous releases, but, as usual, The Growlers still show off something unique and all their own. A few of this album's elements seem to have been foreshadowed on their previous record "Chinese Fountain," yet with "City Club," The Growlers added something more to their sound, explored, experimented, and changed. Most impressive of all, they seem to have pulled it off.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26614
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11116
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

8227
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments