About

The Federal Crime

Josh Noone – Vocals/Guitar  .  Jesse Mushenko – Bass/Vocals  .  Dan Evans – Percussion

Driving drum beats, words that cut like a freshly sharpened machete, a guy with a tree tattoo on his forearm… that’s what comes to mind when thinking of the Federal Crime. Think Jack Johnson meets Rage Against The Machine. Or Bart Simpson befriends Charlie Brown. It’s mischief, oozing with substance.

Josh Noone, a reformed acoustic guitar purist, plugs into his pedal board and fools with the distortion dials. “We like to have a good time, and inspire a few people to stand up for what they believe while we’re at it,” he says. Noone’s been rocking the guitar (and his point of view) since he was about 12. He writes songs infused with life, love, and liberty, and says he tries not to be a hypocrite.

Jesse Mushenko walks a bass line, crisp in a striped polo and aviators. Suddenly he breaks into rhyme. “Stick ‘em up, I’m taking my freedom, like it’s bleedin’ out my heart and soul in every line.” Mushenko has been spitting rhymes, playing guitars, and breaking samplers since he can’t remember when.’

The high hat snaps and the floor tom moans as drummer Dan Evans sets the groove. It’s a dynamic rhythm with hard accents and soft transitions that bring it all together. Inspired by the likes of The Cardinals and The Avett brothers, Evans says, “I play what I feel.” It works.

So what do you get when you go to an FC show? You might be treated to an unexpected, yet delicious rhyme. Maybe you’ll witness a cover performed in a way you never thought possible. You may find yourself doing the ol’ fist pump, or throwing your arm around a stranger. Whatever happens, you’re gonna have a good time.