The Dirty Hooks

 

The Dirty Hooks, a dynamic indie/alternative rock trio from Las Vegas, Nevada, formed in 2011, bringing a gritty, electrifying sound to the city’s vibrant music scene. Comprising Bobby McCall (vocals/baritone guitar), Jenine Cali (vocals/drums), and Anthony Ratto (guitar/keys), the band crafts a sonic tapestry of howling guitars, ambient synth tones, and three-part harmonies, infused with 808 beats. Their music, rooted in influences from Johnny Cash’s storytelling to the raw fuzz of Sonic Youth and the Pixies, tells tales of heartache, triumph, and American subculture. With a playful nod to Vegas’ underbelly, their self-styled origin story as “three petty criminals” who met in a jail cell adds a rebellious mystique, though their real story lies in their relentless DIY ethos and local hustle.

Their debut album, Electric Grit (2012), marked a bold entrance, earning the title of Best Local Album of the Year by Las Vegas Seven Magazine. Featuring tracks like “Dancing With a Train” and “Moonshine Hustle,” the album’s raw, bluesy rock resonated with fans, showcasing their ability to blend syncopated swagger with desert-drenched narratives. The band’s follow-up EP, Kiss the Devil and Run (2018), amplified their sound with carnal melodies and assured grooves, with songs like “Badland Saints” and “No Good” earning airplay on X107.5’s X-Effect. Working with acclaimed producers Kevin and Kane Churko, known for collaborating with Ozzy Osbourne and Five Finger Death Punch, the trio refined their craft while staying true to their indie roots.

The Dirty Hooks’ live performances are a cornerstone of their reputation, delivering high-energy shows that capture the raw spirit of Las Vegas. They’ve played iconic local venues like the Hard Rock’s Vinyl and Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, and their 2013 and 2018 appearances at the Life Is Beautiful Festival marked significant milestones. In 2013, they shared the stage with headliners like The Killers and Kings of Leon, and their 2018 return on the Red Bull Sound Select Stage followed a tour with Stone Temple Pilots. Their electrifying sets, praised for their “sonic wall of bricks and mortar,” have also earned them spots at festivals like Wine Amplified alongside acts like Blink-182, further cementing their status in the Vegas scene.

A major breakthrough came in 2018 when The Dirty Hooks toured as support for Stone Temple Pilots, Bush, and The Cult on the Revolution 3 tour, a testament to their growing influence. Las Vegas Weekly named them “Best Tour Support” that year, noting their ability to hold their own alongside ’90s alt-rock giants. Their performances, described as “kick-ass rock ’n’ roll” by Vegas Seven, captivated audiences with their blend of blues-rock grit and indie experimentation. The band’s chemistry—McCall and Cali’s vocal interplay paired with Ratto’s searing guitar and keys—creates a live experience that feels both raw and polished, earning them fans across the country.

Today, The Dirty Hooks continue to thrive as a staple of Las Vegas’ indie scene, balancing day jobs with their musical ambitions. Their latest single, “Lightning on the Tracks” (2025), hints at new material, and they’re set to perform at Swan Dive in Las Vegas on August 2, 2025. While they remain a trio, their sound feels larger than life, embodying the city’s rebellious spirit and penchant for spectacle. With accolades like being named one of Cosmopolitan Las Vegas’ top five bands to watch in 2018, The Dirty Hooks prove that Vegas’ music scene is more than just showgirls and slot machines—it’s a breeding ground for raw, authentic rock.