Growing: The Architects of Modern Drone and Experimental Rock

Growing is an American experimental music group known for crafting expansive, immersive soundscapes that bridge drone, noise, and post-rock. Formed in Olympia, Washington, the band has built a significant underground following through a prolific series of albums and live performances that prioritize texture and volume over traditional song structure.

Early Career

The group formed in the early 2000s, emerging from the fertile DIY and experimental scene of the Pacific Northwest. Their early work, characterized by long-form compositions and a focus on guitar-generated drones, was initially released through small, independent labels that supported avant-garde and noise music, establishing their foundational sound rooted in ambient and experimental rock.

Breakthrough

Growing's artistic breakthrough came with a series of critically acclaimed albums in the mid-2000s that solidified their reputation within the experimental rock community. Releases on labels such as Kranky and The Social Registry saw them refining their approach, incorporating more rhythm and melodic elements into their dense sonic tapestries, which expanded their audience beyond the noise scene.

Key Tracks

Vision Swim - This track exemplifies the band's mastery of building hypnotic, layered drones that evolve with a patient, cinematic logic.

Anaheim II - A piece showcasing their ability to weave melodic guitar lines into a thick, enveloping bed of sound, highlighting their post-rock influences.

Lateral - This work demonstrates Growing's more rhythmic and dynamic side, where pulsating patterns cut through the ambient haze.

Throughout their career, Growing has remained dedicated to exploring the physical and psychological impact of sound, often performing at high volumes to fully immerse the listener. Their discography shows a consistent evolution, from pure, minimalist drone to more complex compositions that incorporate elements of krautrock and psychedelia. The band's collaborative spirit has also led to work with other notable figures in the experimental music sphere, further cementing their place in the landscape of modern American experimental rock. Operating primarily through independent channels and their own Bandcamp presence, Growing has maintained complete artistic control, embodying the true ethos of the experimental genre.

Fans of Growing's immersive and textural approach to drone and experimental rock may also appreciate the work of similar artists. The minimalist guitar drones of Stars Of The Lid explore similar ambient territories. The heavy, monolithic soundscapes of Boris share a commitment to volume and texture. The intricate, layered compositions of Tim Hecker offer a comparable electronic-influenced depth. The expansive post-rock journeys of Godspeed You! Black Emperor resonate with Growing's cinematic scope.