Photos + Review: Brooks Nielsen @ Soma (San Diego, CA)

Brooks Nielsen (CA)
October 11th, 2025
SOMA in San Diego, CA

When it comes to live shows I hold musicians to a pretty high standard. After all, “time is the most valuable resource one has” and when it comes to someone I have seen a multitude of times -solo and non, I set the expectations even higher. Perhaps it is to compensate for the fear of the inevitable let down that hits most bands after their so called “peak years.” You know that dreaded moment when a band’s concert shifts from a mind blowing experience to a mellow and melancholic mirage of what once was.

Not many musicians are able to keep their fans engaged album after album, especially after band member changes and style evolution. Fans are generally really clingy to what they like but in Brooks Nielsen’s case it seems his evolution, musical experimentation, and personal growth has somehow pulled his fans even closer to him. His show at SOMA this past week was a loud testament to this.

SOMA was jammed packed full of fans that seemed equally transfixed by the music and Nielsen himself. He’s a true chameleon able to reinvent and rebuild constantly while somehow still maintaining a certain core element that allows fans to be both surprised by and uniquely in tune with his music. When an entire audience doesn’t miss a single beat you know you have a great show. However, when you catch the photographers, backstage crew, and the backstage friends sharing the same enthusiasm that’s when you know you have something truly special. I think some credit also needs to be given to the venue itself. SOMA is a true So Cal piece of music history that added a little extra layer of “garage magic” to an already amazing vibe. The venue truly is something special. This “no glitz no glam“ place lends itself perfectly to the music, infusing some of its historic grit to the atmosphere.

The crowd was instantaneously won over with the opening tune, “Drinkin’ the Juice Blues” and fans’ excitement just seemed to grow larger with each beat. The more Nielsen interacted with each band member the more the band’s chemistry became apparent. The onstage energy spilled over to the audience amplifying the music’s own magic. This created an almost intimate feeling that allowed you to feel as if you were alone with the music while simultaneously feeding off other fans’ energy. The setlist itself masterfully navigated through both Nielsen’s solo albums and the Growlers’ albums, effortlessly flowing from old to new as if each song was intended to be played after the other. A more grown up Nielsen, backed by impeccable musicians that were able to bring a touch of new to classic songs, reinventing them while maintaining their core essence.

The entire evening was a highlight in and of itself. So much so that I made a playlist of the setlist and it has been my morning go-to for a week now. Although I can’t deny that hearing “Graveyard’s Full” as well as “Empty Bones” always are extra special moments. I loved hearing “Neon Moon,” “Live Hard,” and his “John Jones” cover was the cherry on top of an already scrumptious evening. If you have a chance to catch any of his upcoming shows please do so. Trust me you will not regret it. Also visit his website to keep up with new releases and new merch.

Setlist:
Drinkin’ The Juice Blues (Hashima)
Row
Faith
Lo Siento
Derka Blues
Love Test
Psycho
Lucky Star
Without Eyes
Live Hard
Learned to Love Getting High
Graveyard’s Full
Empty Bones
Monotonia
Dope on a Rope
Problems III
Neon Moon
Orgasm of Death
Real as Pluto
City Club
Pain, Suffering & Evil
Night Ride
Encore:
Feel My Funk
John Jones (Rudy Mills cover)
One Million Lovers
Natural Affair