Halfway Crooks are a reggae-rock band from Yonkers, New York. From 1999, three out of four members led a punk-ska band, Invisible Enemy, until in 2006; their side project officially became their main gig. Luke, Tom, and Paul inducted Dave as the fourth member, whose addition of Hammond organ worked like audio glue in securing their sound. The Crooks mix several musical elements together in a style that can only be described by hearing it: soulful and grooving rock, reggae, ska, hip-hop, and funk rhythms; overlapped by smooth melodies, melodic raps, and infectious hooks; sporadically accompanied by guest vocalists, as well as brass instruments and percussion; culminating with insightful and memorable lyrics that paint a picture, bound to stick in your head. Sometimes verging on the brink of pop, yet always raw and distinct, the sound of Halfway Crooks is universally appealing.
Halfway Crooks have made an impression on many NY bar, club and college scenes, festivals, charity events and private parties, as well as world famous NYC clubs such as CBGB's. They were also the winners of the 2006 Battle of the Bands held by ‘The Bayou’ in Mt. Vernon, NY.
In 2007, the Crooks gigged locally as well as in Philly, D.C., and Vermont, after releasing "Throw the First Stone & Take the Streets" - 2 e.p.'s on 1 c.d. This album features a double-sided jacket, which holds a collection of recordings - some new, some old; from guest collaborations to songs that represent a more experimental side of their music. While gigging and promoting for their first release, they used all other available time to record their first full-length album, "Raise the Bar.” It consists of 17 original songs, 2 of which were mixed by Jim Sabella (Public Enemy, Marcy's Playground, Catch 22). Both albums are available on cdbaby, itunes, amazon, rhapsody, verizon v-cast... as well as internet radio such as lastfm.com
In 2008, Halfway Crooks released their first full-length album, played over 50 shows, headlining many amazing gigs as well as opening for some renowned acts. They had their first TV and magazine appearances (ranking #4 "Best Unsigned Alternative" act in Verbicide Magazine’s “Unsigned” issue) and were featured on 2 compilation CD’s (including Skratch Magazine’s 2008 Warped Tour Sampler).
In March, Halfway Crooks played and won the “Woodstock Industry Night” at The Colony in Woodstock, NY. They headlined the following show, “Concert for Charlie”; a charity event that raised over $5,000 for toddler’s medical expenses. Less than a month later, they opened for reggae force, The Aggrolites (Hellcat Records) in New York City. The summer brought the “Pleasantville Music Festival” (attracting close to 6,000 in attendance) where Halfway Crooks closed the beer garden stage, preceding headliner Joan Osborne. They also appeared on PCTV (Pleasantville Cable Television) doing an in-studio performance of “Safety Net”. In June, they played The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie with The Ritchie Scarlet Band (ex-guitarist for Ace Frehley). The third annual “Walshstock Festival”, started in part by the Crooks, drew hundreds into the mountains just outside Burlington, Vermont for an explosive 4th of July weekend. “The Greater American Food & Beer Festival” held in the fall (sponsored by The Peak 107.1) featured Halfway Crooks as the supporting act for veteran rockers, The Smithereens. And lastly, headlining on Halloween night in the heart of NYC’s Greenwich Village proved to be one of the finest performances for the band. Just after the parade ended, Halfway Crooks were on stage, in full costume and Halloween spirits, playing for a packed house.
As 2008 wound down, Halfway Crooks entered the studio to record 2 brand new tracks – “Just a Dude” and “Thru the Night”. They plan to release these songs on a compilation under their own label, Atomic Rooster Records, featuring several bands they have gigged with in the past year.
Halfway Crooks are looking forward to many more firsts in 2009, especially playing in new cities and states, bringing their music and high-energy performances to new crowds.
Luke Havranek (Playa Grande) - Vocals/Guitar
Tom Parisi (Tone Master 1) - Vocals/Drums
Paul Loew (P. Low) - Bass/BkrdVox
Dave Ross (The Doctor) - Hammond Organ/Synths/BkrdVox
