Cool Ghouls

Cool Ghouls

Cool Ghouls are a San Francisco garage rock group active since 2011. The band is formed by former high school friends from a Bay Area suburb and consists of guitarists Pat McDonald and Ryan Wong, bassist Pat Thomas, and drummer Alex Fleshman, with Wong and Thomas sharing lead vocals.

Early releases and first albums

The group’s first release is the six-track Alright Cassette in late 2012. Their 2013 self-titled debut full-length is produced by Tim Cohen of the Fresh & Onlys, who also champions the band. They follow it quickly with A Swirling Fire Burning Through the Rye in 2014.

Sound and later recordings

Cool Ghouls start with a sound built from garage rock, reverb and fuzz, drawing on the raw energy of groups such as the Troggs and the vocal harmony style associated with the Association. Over time they widen their approach: Animal Races in 2016 adds country rock, and At George's Zoo in 2021 pushes the vocals forward and brings in folk-rock, Baroque pop and sunshine pop elements. Their third album is produced by Kelley Stoltz, who also plays guitar on the sessions, alongside pedal steel guitarist Tom Heyman.

Other recordings and collaborators

Between albums they issue the tour cassette Gord's Horse, recorded in their practice space, and the live tape Live '19. The 2021 sessions also include strings from Dylan Edrich, keyboards from Henry Baker, saxophone from Danny Brown and trumpet from Andrew Stephens. Animal Races is released by Empty Cellar, while At George's Zoo appears on Empty Cellar and Melodic Records.