Based in San Francisco, Down Dirty Shake seamlessly blends the sounds of Latin, psych, soul, pop, and garage rock. The group was founded by AJ Ayez (vocals, keys), Kyle DeMartini (guitar, vocals), and Aaron Grimes (drums, vocals) while the three were high school classmates in Merced, CA, and in the ensuing years the band’s style and vision have matured. While staying true to the love of Sixties blues and psychedelia that initially drew them together, they began incorporating influences from Motown, world music, Krautrock, and more. After moving west from Merced, the band firmly entrenched itself in the Bay Area music scene by hosting a yearly residency in the iconic Haight-Ashbury district and playing prestigious venues and festivals in both San Francisco and throughout Sonoma County. The addition of Tommy Anderson on bass completed the line-up, and now the band presents its debut full-length.

The self-titled album could be described as Santana performing with The Doors in a Desert Rock fever dream. Dynamic percussion, ripping guitars, complex bass lines, dreamy pedal work, poetic lyrics, and Ayez’ sultry vocals combine to give the listener a feeling of something nostalgic and familiar yet unique and original. The record also features guest performances by Sonny Pearce (percussion) and Celeste Obomsawin (vocals).

“If you’re into psychedelic rock, then check out Down Dirty Shake. The San Francisco band sounds as if they were plucked right out of the 1960s to grace us with their soulful grooves.” -SF Gate

“Part 13th Floor Elevators, part Scott Walker and part Willie Dixon…” -The Bay Bridged

“Down Dirty Shake…boasts a polished sound that blends old-fashioned crooning with hypnotic rock.” -SF Weekly

RIYL: Thee Oh Sees, The Black Angels, Locus Pocus, DTCV, Dead Meadow, Sleepy Sun, Darker My Love

FCC Caution: Track 4, “Be My Rosa,” features marijuana references

Recommended Tracks: Track 3, “Sun Cheyenne,” Track 5, “Woman,” Track 7, “Butterflies Get The Blues,” Track 8, “He Set Fire”

Goes For Adds 1/29

self-released

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