Yesterday, I was able to see The Growlers at Emo’s in Austin. The Growlers are a band from California that just last year signed with Julian Casablancas’ Cult Records, which lead to changes in their lineup (Scott Montoya/Anthony Stonio were “kicked out” of the band)(lots of drama here) and a new music vibe, but their latest album, City Club, was phenomenal. Doors opened at 8 PM and there was a pretty big line wrapping up around the building, and the parking lot was full (shot out to Emo’s for offering free parking..that’s $10-20 saved!). Merch booth had some really nice stuff but I was looking for the Texas ltd edition poster, but apparently it sold out the night before (only 100 were made and Austin was their 4th Texas stop).   No opener, which meant that the crowd was going to wait an hour and a half until The Growlers would hit the stage. As soon as the show started, The Growlers kept delivering the goodies. Show started with Big Toe, which is a really great opening song for the show and sets up the vibe for the whole show. First songs off the new album that were played were Night Ride (which talks about Scott’s departure from the band) and Dope on a Rope. One of my favorite parts of the show was when they played Pet Shop Eyes+Someday+One Million Lovers…just fantastic. They have also been playing a new song that did not make it to the record called “Late Bloomers” which sounds like something that would have fitted their previous EP “Gay Thoughts”. One of the highlights for me was getting to hear “Daisy Chain” live, I really like the Motown vibe from that song and it’s probably my favorite one off the new album. City Club/Jam/Chinese Fountain was also a killer combo that got everyone excited. I’ll Be Around might as well be one of their biggest songs now as they even played it live on Ellen, and the energy they put on it live is pretty great (Brook’s dance moves are legit). Encore included Blood of a Mutt and Going Gets Tough, and apparently they also had Black Memories on it but they didn’t play it :/. Overall, this was a great show. The wait once doors opened was a little too much but the Growlers truly delivered for over 2 hours. Was also able to meet Brooks and get my copy of City Club signed, really cool guy. Hoping Beach Goth VI takes place as I would love to attend that fest. To finish off, here is a link to my full clip of “The Daisy Chain” live. Thanks for reading! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asohI4NQJYM Written by: Jorge Ramos Image Curtesy of Jorge Ramos