The band started out in 1995, amid other popular southern California ska-influenced acts such as Reel Big Fish and No Doubt. Of the original line-up, only singer/songwriter Matt Embree and drummer Chris Tsagakis remain. Their first two releases were recorded with bassist James Salomone and trombonist Rich Balling. Upon signing to Drive-Thru Records, the band released the album Halfway Between Here and There, a straightforward third-wave ska effort, though lyrics in songs such as "Gun In Your Hand" hinted towards the political leanings which would be evident in their subsequent releases.
They are notable for their strong political views, which they share with fans through periodic website posts.
Their live shows are known for being highly energetic, with improvisational jams in between songs. They perform extended versions of many numbers; they fall somewhat short of being a full fledged "jam band," however it is fair to say that they exhibit musicianship live that is not captured by their recordings.
With 2001's Progress, the band took a huge step forward musically. The incarnation of the band which recorded the album consisted of Embree, Tsagaskis, Balling, Salomone, and current trombonist Chris Sheets. Steve Choi played keyboards on the album, but was not credited as a full member of the band, although he often joined the band on stage. With this album, the band moved beyond playing pure ska. Progress involved elements of punk, reggae, and hardcore punk. Indeed, the band itself notes influences ranging from Fugazi and Bad Brains, to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Toots and the Maytals. The album spawned their only music video, for the song "Analog Boy".
Some time after the release of Progress, Steve Choi was made a full time member of the band, however both Rich Balling and James Salomone left the band. They gained saxophonist Steve Borth, who had played formerly in the popular East Bay ska-punk band Link 80. Bassist Joe Troy, a longtime friend of Embree, joined the band as well to complete their current line-up.
In 2003, they released The Resignation, a CD/DVD release. The album was recorded live, with the exception of vocals and some overdubs. Embree also shared songwriting duties with Steve Choi, whereas he had previously been responsible for all of the band's material. Also of note is the album cover, which was originally a painting by Aaron Nagel, a Bay Area artist and member of both Link 80 and DESA. Musically, the album continued the genre mixing of Progress and experimented with unconventional time signatures. It again featured overtly political lyrics, evident most obviously in songs such as "Overcome (The Recapitulation)," and "Mastering the List".
Since the release of The Resignation, several members have found time for side projects.
In July 2006 band member Steve Borth left the band to pursue his side project turned main focus, Satori. Embree is involved with his own independent label, MDB Records, as well as his own solo project Love You Moon also contributing to the hip hop group Seekret Socyetee, Coke vs. Bills with Joe Troy, Pebaluna with Lauren Coleman, and Apotheke with members of the Rx Bandits. Steve Choi plays drums in Machines and has collaborated with Asian Man Records founder Mike Park in both The Chinkees and The Bruce Lee Band. Embree and Tsagakis are two of the core members in The Sound Of Animals Fighting. Tsagaskis is the creative force behind his ambient, electronic project called Technology.
On October 10th, 2006 they released the follow-up to The Resignation entitled "...And The Battle Begun"
through Sargent House / MDB Records. ...ATBB continued to show the changes that the Bandits were making to their sound, adding more elements of progressive rock and funk grooves. Sprawling compositions and virtuoso playing from all the members of the band won the band many new fans, and gained a spot on the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
On July 14th, 2009, they released their latest album, Mandala. The band showed tremendous musical growth since their early 3rd wave ska roots, and Mandala was a true musical force to be reckoned with. Prodigious drumming from Chirs Tsagakis and solid bass grooves from Joe Troy formed the backbone, while Steve Choi and Matt Embree dueled with noodley guitars and emphatic vocals from Embree. The Bandits had reached a progressive peak, showing that progressive instrumentation could still have soul and feeling, and that a few songs could change a room's demeanor.
In 2011, the band announced that their summer tour would be their last tour. Despite this, on May 6th, 2013 they announced that they will be embarking on a 10-year anniversary tour for Resignation, and will also be releasing an EP this summer.
Rx Bandits toured the United States during the summer of 2013 to mark the tenth anniversary of the release of The Resignation. The band released an EP featuring covers of The Police, Blonde Redhead, Weezer, Fugazi, and King Crimson.
"Gemini, Her Majesty", the bands 7th studio album was released on July 22nd 2014 via (Mash Down Babylon/INgrooves). Produced by Jason Cupp (Maps & Atlases, Birthmark) and recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Sonoma County, CA, Gemini, Her Majesty is the follow-up to 2009's critically acclaimed release, Mandala.
"In the past, our aim was to bridge the gap between our recorded music and our live performance," says vocalist/guitarist Matt Embree. "But this time around we really didn't ever consider that. We almost willingly ignored it. It was really nice to make a record that we didn't apply live performance constraints to. That said, now we're going to have the hefty task of figuring out how we want to arrange and play these new songs live. We love the challenge."
Over the course of the past 19 years (yes, 2015 will be their 20-year anniversary), RX Bandits have managed to stay light years ahead of the pack by taking a genre-blurring approach to songwriting. Their adventurous style of play gives them a unique sense of flexibility, one that allows them to seamlessly fit anywhere and everywhere, from the main stage at Bonnaroo and Coachella to Bamboozle and Reading. Their songs have been featured in video games (Guitar Hero, Rock Band), used as the backdrop for ESPN's X Games and continues to be religion for their legion of diehard fans around the world.
In support of "Gemini, Her Majesty" RX took to the road in the summer of 2014 with support from The Dear Hunter and From Indian Lakes. RX Bandits are looking to a stacked 2015 Spring touring schedule with plans to attend the 311 Caribbean Cruise with 311, Pepper and The Dirty Heads, a West coast run in March and a East coast run in early April. The band is also looking forward to touring the UK with Circa Survive in May 2015.
Andrea
RX Bandits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you remember how you cried?
Do you remember sayin never?
As she slowly dried your eyes.
I remember what I did then
And how I always felt inside
Happiness surrounds the others
What could you say now
All the stars cost so much
Do you remember when our scene was
Still so young and still so alive?
Do you remember when I was happy?
So happy to arrive?
What could you say now
All the stars cost so much
My sense of touch!
I know the answer to this question
I know the answer to this rhyme
I know the answer to this riddle
Its andrea every time.
Do you remember what she said?
Do you remember what she did?
I could never tear my heart for me to forgive
What could you say
When I just looked you in your eyes?
What could you say
Because you knew you wanted to lie!
Oh oh oh oh oh
Retribution uniting of our nation
Come on lets join this revolution
Come on and join in!
The lyrics to RX Bandits' song "Andrea" tell a story about a past love, particularly the memories and emotions that still linger despite the passage of time. The first verse recalls how the subject of the song, presumably the singer's ex-lover, comforted him during a time of sadness. The sentiment is bittersweet, however, as the memory also highlights the fact that the relationship has ended, and the singer is left alone to remember. The second verse reflects on how happiness seems to come easily to others, but the singer is consumed by inner turmoil.
The chorus poses a few rhetorical questions: "Do you remember when our scene was still so young and still so alive?" and "Do you remember when I was happy?" These lines suggest that the singer is struggling to come to terms with the fact that things are no longer as they once were. The subsequent lines also convey this sense of loss, "All the stars cost so much," suggesting that the singer feels like they have lost a piece of themselves in the process.
The final verse brings up the name "Andrea," which may be the name of the singer's lost love or a reference to the pain he's feeling. The lines "I know the answer to this question, I know the answer to this rhyme, I know the answer to this riddle, it's Andrea every time" serve to reinforce the notion that the pain and memories associated with this love will never truly be gone.
Overall, "Andrea" is a heartrending reflection on the memories and emotions that linger long after a relationship has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you remember how you held her?
Do you recall the way you embraced her?
Do you remember how you cried?
Do you recall the way you shed tears?
Do you remember sayin never?
Do you recall the time you vowed never?
As she slowly dried your eyes.
She comforted you as you cried.
I remember what I did then
I have recollections of my past actions.
And how I always felt inside
And how my emotions were always.
Happiness surrounds the others
Others have the joy I crave.
Every single day I die
Every day I suffer like I am dying.
What could you say now
What can you say at present?
All the stars cost so much
Everything seems expensive like the stars.
Do you remember when our scene was
Do you recall the lively moment we had?
Still so young and still so alive?
When we and everything was new and energetic?
Do you remember when I was happy?
Do you recall the time I felt joy?
So happy to arrive?
And elated to be here?
My sense of touch!
My feelings and perception!
I know the answer to this question
I am aware of the answer to this query.
I know the answer to this rhyme
I know what this poem intends to convey.
I know the answer to this riddle
I can decipher this enigma.
Its andrea every time.
The answer is always Andrea.
Do you remember what she said?
Do you recall her words?
Do you remember what she did?
Do her actions stay with you?
I could never tear my heart for me to forgive
My heart would not let me forgive.
What could you say
What words can you utter?
When I just looked you in your eyes?
As I stared into your soul?
Because you knew you wanted to lie!
Because you knew the truth hurt.
Retribution uniting of our nation
We will get what we deserve and be one.
Come on lets join this revolution
Come, let us unite and bring change.
Come on and join in!
Join the cause, now is the time!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind