San Francisco-based collective Wreckless Strangers continues their “Ameri-Cali Soul” stylishness with Dirty Souls, a six-song EP produced by four-time Grammy winner Dave Way. Led by the dual-vocal chemistry of Amber Morris and David Noble, the project combines classic arena rock through a modern Bay Area lens, resulting in an eclectic array of soulful rock and glimpses of folk.
Traversing quickly from a solemn bass-y ascent to a sweltering bluesy allure, “Dirty Soul” opens the EP with intoxicating appeal. “Don’t shoot the messenger, babe,” Morris’ debonair vocal presence emerges, melding with moody organs, melodic piano, and twangy guitar adornments. “Can’t nobody break you, can’t nobody shake you,” her vocals rise with invigorating ardency, bolstered by powerful brass and call-and-response vocal maneuvers. Ensuing track “The Runaround” struts a brisker, rock-forward energy, excelling in the dual-vocal presence of Morris and Noble as rollicking guitars and vibrant organs intertwine.
“Downstream” is another affecting standout, this time succeeding in a heartfelt folk realm. A warming vocal duet, lyrically describing looming storm clouds and whipping winds, enamors alongside steady acoustic strums, twinkling piano, and melancholic strings. “All that I know is one way to flow, from mountains high to rivers down below,” their vocals let out, infusing nature-laden scene-setting within an impactful folk lushness. Dirty Souls is a fantastic EP from Wreckless Strangers, consuming across both rousing soul, blues, and rock in addition to more serene folk productions.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
