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.
Consequential Apathy
RX Bandits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm regretting every word I said
On this dark day my veins are burning
Trying to keep these thoughts out of my head
So what do you think
Do you even blink
When I'm screaming and calling your name
Just how I like it -blank and indifferent
[Chorus]
Wake up, wake up, wake up
The world is changing
Someone else's sorrow
I can't hear it
Someone else's sorrow now
And take back life's remote control
Where you going, what's this life for
How do you want to be when you grow old
What you want to say, what you want to do
Nobody's a victim its only up to you
Wise man say you reap what you have sown
Only what you have sown
[Chorus]
Now that you're gone
Well, you're regretting every word you said
I have just one more question now
For anyone that I can not motivate
Is it just routine trained behavior
Does the TV set control your life
Go, create
The lyrics of RX Bandits' song Consequential Apathy depict the sense of regret and longing felt by the singer after someone has left his life, and the lack of understanding and empathy from that person towards his suffering. The opening lines express the feeling of remorse for words that were said in the past, now that the person is gone. The singer's veins burn with sadness, and he tries to push away the thoughts that invade his mind. However, the person he's addressing seems indifferent to his pain, and doesn't even blink when he screams their name.
The lyrics then turn to a call for action, urging people to wake up and realize that the world is changing, and that they should take control of their lives. The rhetorical questions posed by the singer ("Where you going, what's this life for") suggest that there's a need for purpose and direction, and that it's up to each person to decide what they want to do with their life. The final lines ("Go, create") are a call to action, suggesting that the solution to feeling stuck or powerless is to take charge and make something happen.
Overall, the lyrics of Consequential Apathy convey a sense of frustration and disappointment with the state of the world, but also a call for hope and empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that you're gone
Since you left, I realize how important you were
I'm regretting every word I said
I wish I had said something kinder or different
On this dark day my veins are burning
I am consumed by negative emotions
Trying to keep these thoughts out of my head
I am struggling to control my own mind
So what do you think
Do you have any opinion about this situation?
Do you even blink
Are you even noticing my distress?
When I'm screaming and calling your name
When I'm reaching out for help
Just how I like it -blank and indifferent
Do you prefer not to express any emotions or feelings?
Are you too ignorant to feel the ashamed
Are you unaware of how your actions affect others?
Wake up, wake up, wake up
Realize what's happening around you!
The world is changing
The world is constantly evolving
Someone else's sorrow
Other people are suffering too
I can't hear it
I am not listening or empathizing
And take back life's remote control
Be in charge of your own life and destiny
Where you going, what's this life for
What is your purpose in life and where is it leading you?
How do you want to be when you grow old
What kind of person do you want to become and what legacy do you want to leave behind?
What you want to say, what you want to do
What message do you want to convey and what actions do you want to perform?
Nobody's a victim its only up to you
You have the power to control your own life and not be helpless
Wise man say you reap what you have sown
What you do now will affect your future
Only what you have sown
You will only receive what you have put out into the world
Now that you're gone
Since you are no longer here, I realize your impact even more
Well, you're regretting every word you said
You may regret saying things once someone is gone
I have just one more question now
I have something else to ask
For anyone that I can not motivate
I wonder why I can't inspire some people
Is it just routine trained behavior
Is it just a habit or pattern that is hard to break?
Does the TV set control your life
Is your life too controlled by outside influences?
Go, create
Go and make something of yourself
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind