Allyson Baker, the woman behind Dirty Ghosts, grew up a guitar player, but it turns out her biggest musical feat to date is all about her vocals and rhythm section.
While trying to grow Dirty Ghosts from a duo with no singer into a full group, attempts to unearth a vocalist were fruitless, so Ms. Baker stepped up to singing for the first time. The product–a debut album with passionately heated vocals in a chic tone. When combined with basic beats and sorted touches of electro, Dirty Ghosts make it feel like Mates of State have decided to relocate back to the Bay.
Enlisting the help of co-producer Aesop Rock, the group created a foundation of tribal-like drum bangs, static guitar and swinging funk bass loops. On the first single, “Shout It In,” galactic electronics meld into grooving upbeats and danceable guitar breaks topped by Baker’s talkie lyricism. Her strong, yet vulnerable voice works perfectly with Aesop Rock’s production.
Dirty Ghosts’ debut LP, Metal Moon, is due out February 21st.
Download below the first single “Shout It In” and catch Dirty Ghosts’ on a full California tour in early 2012:
1/19 – Knockout – San Francisco, CA
1/24 – Casanova – San Francisco, CA (DJ SET)
2/23 – Noise Pop Festival – Brick and Mortar – San Francisco, CA
2/24 – Bootleg Theater – Los Angeles
2/25 – Bar Pink – San Diego, CA
2/26 – Detroit Bar – Costa Mesa, CA
"Shout It In" Download: