Among Criminals

The energetic Philaelphia reggae trio Among Criminals showcases its spicy blend of Flamenco, Latin, hip hop and Caribbean styleswith an all ages show 8 p.m. Thursday at the World Cafe' Live. - Courier Times

"Among Criminals put on a show filled with energy and sincerity. The
interaction between the band and the crowd was surprising. A show I won't
soon forget, by a band that may not be on everyone's lips now, but will be
soon." Chris Sholten KRNL - Chris Sholten

"Among Criminals put on a show filled with energy and sincerity. The
interaction between the band and the crowd was surprising. A show I won't
soon forget, by a band that may not be on everyone's lips now, but will be
soon." Chris Sholten KRNL - Chris Sholten

With the reigning body politics of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSbP) trotting youth off to a sometimes dubious fate overseas, it's welcome to find Boston's Berklee College of Music expatriates and reggae-rock trio, Among Criminals confronting the issue ("Step Back", "We're Here", "Cold Soldier") where The Clash, Marley and more recently Neil Young have gone before them-if only with a sweeter, poppier, horn-less Desmond Dekker-Antibalas-Ozomatli vibe.
Calling Philly-Staten Island home these days, Ryan Gaughan, a capable guitar skanker with a touch of Santana-Django Reinhardt-Rusted Root also rings a mean steel drum and provides confident lead vocals.
AC's skilled lyrical flow of grace, angels and souls cozies well with the Nazarene's timely message of patience, non-violence and unconditional love. - Philly Edge

Tuesday, April 27, a dreary, uncommonly snowy spring night, Among Criminals, a rock-reggae, socially conscious band from Philadelphia, rocked the Multi-Purpose Room at the HUB.
The band, consisting of vocalist/guitarist/percussionist Ryan, bassist Bean, and drummer Jarrod, were set to play the HUB green, but due to inclement weather were forced inside much to their dismay.
The band’s set touched upon a wide variety of musical tastes, including reggae, rock, punk, psychedelic and prog-rock. Each song incorporated different tempos, sounds and layers, which kept listeners on their toes. The band did a great job of taking elements from each influence and melding them together to create a truly unique sonic experience.
On tracks like “Constant” the band shows its Clash influence, using jangly guitars, drum claps and alternating shouted and sung lyrics. The guitar’s sound alternates between feedback-laden chords, to reggae-infused strumming. This jam was definitely one of Among Criminals more dance tracks, as many audience members moved in conjunction with the beat.
On “Never Forget,” the band shows its penchant for combining totally different musical styles while maintaining a catchy, melodic sound. Think 311 mashing up with Explosions In The Sky and a touch of The Mars Volta. The band crafted a song in which one moment they are hammering out a rock-reggae track and the next they are creating sprawling, spacey instrumental interludes. The chords are clear and effective, carrying the listener away, while the drumming keeps the audience engaged and dancing.
Arguably, the bands most impressive display of instrumental ability came when all three members participated in a full band drum session. Singer Ryan exchanged his guitar for a tall hand drum; pounding away in harmony with drummer Jarrod’s driving beat. Out of left field, bassist Bean pulled out a pair of drumsticks and began playing on Jarrod’s floor tom! The charade lasted for an impressive three and a half minutes, gaining speed with each beat cycle.
As the lights spun around the ceiling and walls of the MPR and bounced off dancing, clapping students, the band “grinded” away at their craft, are doing what they do best. Melding different and varied musical styles, creating melodic, driving, and socially aware music. - Tyler Fossiano

Teens who showed up for Rock for Rights on Saturday got a treat when Among Criminals took the stage.

The crowd rewarded the band, the fifth in the lineup at the event, with jubilant applause and cried for more.
Much of the enthusiasm was because of the guitar and lead vocal skills of Ryan Gaughan, who said he’s been in the group for 15 months.
Gaughan said Rock for Rights organizer Steph Sperber asked the band to participate after they had played at Hall High School – where Sperber teaches social studies – because Among Criminals is known for its politically aware songs.
Motivated by other bands who were speaking out, band members formed Among Criminals to “get the message out,� said Gaughan.
They were inspired by the musical styles and messages put forth by Bob Marley, The Foo Fighters and The Police, according to Gaughan.
With the nickname “Hippie,� Gaughan has strong feelings about the way the government is run and the war in Iraq.
Through the band’s unique style combinations of Latin, reggae and rock, they sing against unjust laws and for human rights.
They’ve been spreading political awareness going on tour for the past year, playing 300 shows at various locations including hotels, bars and schools. When they performed at Hall this fall, they expressed their views about the government between songs and answered many students’ questions about their opinions.
With teens screaming at the band to “play another song� as they were packing up at Rock for Rights and at Hall, Among Criminals is registering well with America’s youth, which means Gaughan’s messages are getting through - Wesley Saxena (Readthattattoo.com)

"After listening to the bands’ latest release Happy History, it seems there is more to AC than mellowed out reggae rhythms that make you want to smoke a j. The distinct, clear and pure musicality of the album reinforces the technical talent of the musicians and the good ear of a skilled producer, while communicating intelligent lyrics and important social messages. But the biggest trick these three pull off is including their politically loaded lyrics without coming across as preachy or condescending. The key to their domination over such a challenge is their ability to delicately scatter even the most potent accusations and reprimands throughout the irresistibly chilled out record. With tracks like these, they could trick even the staunchest Republican into bobbing their head.

The album opens with tribal-like chanting that is reintroduced later in “Fears Perpetual Disguise (This Will Never Burn),” serving as a reminder of AC’s mission to spread awareness of issues beyond our own borders. As the album art, lyrics and message printed on the inner-cover all illustrate, this band takes every opportunity to remind listeners that they are about more than the music. In true Marley fashion, there is a distinct feeling of, “one world, one love.”

This ideology is a common theme throughout the album even as it progresses between a variety of styles and techniques. Songs range from catchy, pop-like grooves to laidback rhythms and vocals are sometimes whispered barely above Latin-infused beats while others are more forceful, driving and demanding. One minute you could compare the band to Sublime or Pepper, the next to Incubus. Within a typical five-minute song you’ll find misleading fadeouts and dead stops only to be bombarded with the continuation of a lost theme you thought had died minutes before. The stark contrasts between styles, lyrics and mood keep listeners intrigued. --Jessica Novak, Beyond Race Magazine - Beyond Race Magazine

Teens who showed up for Rock for Rights on Saturday got a treat when Among Criminals took the stage.

The crowd rewarded the band, the fifth in the lineup at the event, with jubilant applause and cried for more.
Much of the enthusiasm was because of the guitar and lead vocal skills of Ryan Gaughan, who said he’s been in the group for 15 months.
Gaughan said Rock for Rights organizer Steph Sperber asked the band to participate after they had played at Hall High School – where Sperber teaches social studies – because Among Criminals is known for its politically aware songs.
Motivated by other bands who were speaking out, band members formed Among Criminals to “get the message out,� said Gaughan.
They were inspired by the musical styles and messages put forth by Bob Marley, The Foo Fighters and The Police, according to Gaughan.
With the nickname “Hippie,� Gaughan has strong feelings about the way the government is run and the war in Iraq.
Through the band’s unique style combinations of Latin, reggae and rock, they sing against unjust laws and for human rights.
They’ve been spreading political awareness going on tour for the past year, playing 300 shows at various locations including hotels, bars and schools. When they performed at Hall this fall, they expressed their views about the government between songs and answered many students’ questions about their opinions.
With teens screaming at the band to “play another song� as they were packing up at Rock for Rights and at Hall, Among Criminals is registering well with America’s youth, which means Gaughan’s messages are getting through - Wesley Saxena (Readthattattoo.com)

"Among Criminals had been touring furiously throughout most of 2008. Among Criminals is one of the best unsigned Rock/Reggae bands in the Philadelphia area. If you haven't heard of them until now, it's time you checked them out!

If you love a good, live show you'll absolutely love Among Criminals! Their shows are guaranteed to get you totally into the music. Thy play with every inch of their heart and soul, and then some, and you can feel it when you see them playing." Becky E, Teen Ink - Bcky E.

"Among Criminals had been touring furiously throughout most of 2008. Among Criminals is one of the best unsigned Rock/Reggae bands in the Philadelphia area. If you haven't heard of them until now, it's time you checked them out!

If you love a good, live show you'll absolutely love Among Criminals! Their shows are guaranteed to get you totally into the music. Thy play with every inch of their heart and soul, and then some, and you can feel it when you see them playing." Becky E, Teen Ink - Bcky E.