A reggae/hip-hop/jam band based in Western Massachusetts, The Alchemystics have been active since the early '00s. They've been spreading their message of peace, love, and funkiness all around the Northeast, opening for big-name touring acts (Burning Spear, Steven Marley), doing the local festival circuit, and finding a strong following among college kids and aging hippies alike. The band's backbone is excellent musicianship, with plenty of live instruments (guitar, bass, keys, percussion, and horns), plus healthy experimentation with a variety of styles, including ska, calypso, and dub. Mixing traditionally sung roots, relentlessly positive rapping, and smoke-friendly instrumentals, The Alchemystics sound inherently similar to other groups of their ilk. Spread Hope is their first studio full-length. (They released an EP and live project in 2008.) It's a great introduction to their laid-back but danceable vibe. Songs here revolve around the lazy days of summertime ("Summer Life"), the magic of young love ("Shine I"), and making a difference in the world ("Be the Change").