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.
Babylon
RX Bandits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know that everything is looking normal
But something is unsound
It seems to me that we are constricted by a force unfair
Can't do what we all want to or you'll wind up in jail
Babylon don't make the rules
Babylon don't make our rules
Babylon don't make our rules alright, alright
I'm feeling like our voices are unspoken and our needs unmet
Freedom is what we all want so freedom is what we will get
So put up all your hands together and squeeze them real tight
If you're paying income tax
Then you're helping to build bombs
What do you have to say about that
Babylon don't make the rules
Babylon don't make our rules
They try to play us all for fools
Babylon don't make our rules alright, alright
The song "Babylon" by RX Bandits is a political commentary on the state of society, particularly the oppressive societal norms and governmental regulations we are faced with. The song's lyrics implore listeners to take a closer look at their surroundings and question the unfair limitations placed upon them by those in power. The lyrics suggest that we are unable to truly do what we want, as those in control prevent us from doing so. The metaphor of Babylon is used to represent the oppressive system that controls us, and the lyrics assert that despite their attempts to control us, we have the power to fight back and demand the freedom we deserve.
The lyrics encourage the audience to unite and raise their voices against the oppressive system. The song highlights the concept of taxation, with lyrics referencing how our tax dollars are utilized to fund harmful activities such as building bombs. The overriding theme is that we should not let those in power control us; rather, we should come together and demand the freedom that is rightfully ours.
Overall, "Babylon" is an empowering song that urges listeners to question the societal norms that restrict them and to stand up for their rights.
Line by Line Meaning
It's time to listen up all good people and take a look around
Let's pay attention to the world around us and notice that something is amiss
I know that everything is looking normal
Despite appearances, things are not as they seem
But something is unsound
There is a problem that needs fixing
It seems to me that we are constricted by a force unfair
We are being held back by something that is unjust
Can't do what we all want to or you'll wind up in jail
We are not free to do what we want without consequences
Babylon don't make the rules
The system that oppresses us does not have the ultimate authority
They try to play us all for fools
The powers that be are trying to deceive us
I'm feeling like our voices are unspoken and our needs unmet
Our desires are being ignored and our voices silenced
Freedom is what we all want so freedom is what we will get
Our ultimate goal is to achieve liberty and we will do what it takes to get there
So put up all your hands together and squeeze them real tight
Let's come together and show solidarity in our efforts for change
If you're paying income tax
Then you're helping to build bombs
What do you have to say about that
Our participation in the system includes contributing to violence and destruction, and we must consider our complicity
Babylon don't make our rules alright, alright
We will create our own rules and resist the oppressive ones imposed on us
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind