SINGLE REVIEW: American Thought Criminals – We the Living
Few bands find themselves in the crosshairs quite like American Thought Criminals. Following a wave of controversy that saw their catalogue removed from online platforms, their music review-bombed, and their live shows cancelled, they return with 'We the Living'—a rebellious, raw middle finger to their critics. But instead of letting the backlash define them, the band channels frustration into something far more potent: defiant, unapologetic music that refuses to be silenced.
The song kicks off with a swinging, hook-heavy intro, carrying a plodding rhythm that sets the tone before raspy vocals enter, tinged with an understated frustration. There’s no theatrical anger or excessive aggression, just a quiet defiance running through every word—delivered with an unwavering sense of conviction. The guitars rumble, the bass keeps things murky yet grounding, and the drums drive forward with a steady pulse, occasionally breaking stride for moments of looseness and flex.
While undeniably catchy, 'We the Living' never overreaches. It thrives in its simplicity, leaning into a DIY sensibility that embraces rawness rather than smoothing it out. Yet, it never feels unpolished—just intentionally imperfect in a way that makes its message hit harder.
More than just a song, 'We the Living' is a declaration. American Thought Criminals seem to thrive on resistance, turning negativity into fuel rather than letting it wear them down. Sitting somewhere between indie grit, alt-rock weight, and punk’s steadfast defiance, it delivers exactly what it needs to—clear, determined, and entirely on their own terms.
