Although their name is derived from some of George Clinton's Funkadelic stage banter, San Francisco quartet Cool Ghouls have more in common with classic garage and melodic, mid-'60s psychedelia. Mixing the raw, primitive sound of acts like the Troggs and the Monks with the harmonies and sophistication of the Millennium, the group's first release was the six-track Alright Cassette in late 2012. Cool Ghouls quickly gained admirers in San Francisco and beyond, with local hero Tim Cohen (the Fresh & Onlys) jumping on board to both champion them and produce their 2013 self-titled full-length. Working quickly, they returned a year later with 2014's A Swirling Fire Burning Through the Rye. ~ Timothy Monger