PSU is Among Criminals

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.
Among Criminals can be checked out at Myspace.com/Among Criminals