Stiletto Ghetto

I remember long drives with my father, who always tapped (off beat of course) to the radio, blasting classic rock songs of the past. It is always a sign of good things when a band can resurrect old memories in just the first ten seconds of a song…

Stiletto Ghetto is a four piece modern rock band, with a little funk, a soul singer, and one of the most impressionable band names. Based out of San Francisco, each member brings their own piece to the puzzle, but collectively, with Marcus on bass, Nicolas on guitar, Louis on drums, and singer Safiya, the group has an infectious sound leaving you tapping your foot and bobbing your head side to side, up and down. The group released its first EP, out digitally on iTunes, entitled First Takes.

The band jumps in with “Call on Me,” a great riff track with a catchy chorus that would leave Lenny Kravitz fans pressing repeat. Each song keeps the pace even throughout while Nicolas never plays an ego-guitar, which has plagued so many rock/funk bands that do possess a guitarist with such strong talent. He never once steps on anyone’s toes, leaving each member equally represented. “I Must Confess” is a bass driven song with guitar overlaying a catchy beat polished clean by passionate vocals. “Soul in Fire” is a throw-back track which is made by the variations in Safiya’s voice; consistent but the details leave no doubt. “Blessed” is the bands quickest and heaviest track, giving any mid-life crisis an anthem to play while driving past that motorcycle for sale on the side of the road. The group then flies into “Get The Funk,” a staple track of every funk band, screaming about their passion for the genre.

Their last track entitled, “Get Out Of My Head,” is ironic and fitting. Stiletto Ghetto is a great funk act from the West Coast flirting with those who came before them and an entirely new idea of heavy metal influenced funk rock. You might hear these songs at any bar on a Saturday night, but there is a something special beneath the obvious funk genre checklist the group runs down. You can dance, jump, rock out, and if you are so inclined…head-bang throughout First Takes. It is strong, consistent, and worth a moment of anyone’s time. (7/10) - Fret 12

"San Francisco is a melting pot of people, cultures and music so it comes as no surprise that the band Stiletto Ghetto is a reflection of that eclectic city. They combine rock, funk and soul to make their own unique brand of fiery sounds that it so loud, funky and irresistible it would make the most casual listener stand up and take notice. It was not hard choosing them as our featured artist. " - Keith Hannaleck, MusikReviews.com (Mar 05, 2011)

"We thought your track had rousing energy that moved us as listeners. You sound confident in your musical skills and the parts you're playing. The instrumental leads on this track were tuneful, interesting and well-articulated. There's no overplaying here, and nothing seems to be lacking either. Spot on. Your rhythmic elements on this release can hang with the best of them. Tight, clean and interesting playing." - Hello Music

"I love the sound of Stiletto Ghetto and I think you will too! Out of San Francisco, this is a very talented band of four. The instrumentation of Nicolas (guitar), Louis (drums), and Marcus (bass) is strong, clean and lively. Singer Safiya voice will capture you from the start and together they drench you with a sound of rock and roll, infused with maybe a bit of funk and blues, that is theirs alone and of which you want to be a part of." - - Tunetapping (Mar 09, 2011)

Unsigned Artist Spotlight - Rock Confidential

"Modern rock/funk/pop with some serious attitude and swagger thanks to a strong rhythm section and a vocalist with soul to spare. Suggested track: Call on Me."

- James Moore; www.yourbandisavirus.com