The Growlers - Manchester Live Review

The Growlers Live at The Deaf Institute, Manchester, Saturday October 26th 2013

rating:4

On perhaps what feels like the darkest, coldest night in Manchester yet, we're camped out around The Deaf Institute, one of the city's best music venues to catch the return of California's self-described 'beach goth' troupe The Growlers.

After a big year promoting new album Hung At Heart, a headline spot the 2nd annual shin-dig that they conceived and curated, €œBeach Goth Party II€, and a full UK tour ahead of them, these surf lords know how to keep themselves busy. Their early 60's sci-fi influenced video for 'One Million Lovers' took the psych-pop world by storm earlier this June, showcasing that The Growlers place themselves high above the stars of today's Middle-Earth generation of psych misfits.

With really no hesitation, The Growlers take the stage as the clock strikes nine o'clock. Unveiling his new chopped hairdo, front runner Brooks Nielsen smiles and begins by hitting us right at the soft spot: "Hey Manchester, we're happy to be back here €“ it's home," he says as the surf-a-delic intro to 'Someday' begins. Nielson shines like a diamond in front of the crowd with the composed presence of a circus ringmaster, assuring us all that the flow of this show will play out platinum.

The flawless nature of The Growlers' music creates the sweetest ear candy throughout the venue as it echoes off the velvet printed walls, harmonising the band's instruments in a way that sounds as uniform as each of their albums. Whether he's singing "Little girls don't last forever, enjoy them while you can" in 'Dogheart II' or "Hairless meat as sweet as memories we keep" in 'Row,' Nielson keeps a straight face even throughout some of his most off-kilter lyricism.

Perhaps these Orange County lads are buzzing off their latest statement EP Not Psych!, but they sure seem pleased to bring their signature sun-soaked stylings into the Northwest. It's smooth sailing tonight for Anthony Braun Perry who is keeping himself at ease on the four-string and looking chilled as ever in front of a packed house, while Nielson sways his hips as the crowd mirrors his moves, pleading "I want you back in my life" in new track 'Naked Kids' - a personal favourite of the night.

The Midwestern waltz in 'Habit Of Dredd' seems fitting over the weekend before Halloween, evoking thoughts of spooky images and howling ghosts into the crowd as the smoke billows from behind Scott Montoya on drums, who might I add has played a second set tonight, sharing drum duties with opening act Tomorrow's Tulips earlier. 'Burden Of The Captain' has salty sounds mimicking the tidal wave blue colour of Matt Taylor's guitar as Kyle Straka transitions between synth and chords during the band's hit 'One Million Lovers' which keeps fans happy with another sing-a-long.

The Growlers treated us tonight with an array of handpicked favourites from their beach goth catalogue. Though they kept it simple with little conversation, a set with over an hour of material flew by as it seems the clouds opened up to bring a well-needed ray of light back into our little English grotto at The Deaf Institute.