Ghost and the City (self-released)
With deep, nicotine-inflected vocals and a tone that’s deliberately dark, it’s hard to avoid comparing Ghost and the City to Nick Cave. Which is always a compliment — this is an excellent album, pleasantly bitter and twisted. Throaty female backing vocals accent the mood perfectly; music is somber and bluesy with occasional moments of orchestration. Perfect for drinking to on a rainy day.
At Slim’s (333 11th St., San Francisco) on January 23. 8:30 p.m., $15-$18