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.
In All Rwanda's Glory
RX Bandits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you fight for your country
Leaders say "why don't you pick up a gun and shoot at somebody"
But they're only gonna protect you if that dollar sign is right
There's a war in every nation but we turn our heads tonight
Human rights went on vacation
Money took over a long time ago
In all Rwanda's glory
There ain't no glory in a war ain't no glory
A black man or a white man
Or an Asian or a Mexican
Or an African or a South African
Or a Serbian or a Libyan
You're all one race, the human race
Just a different smile for a different face
Human rights went on vacation
Money took over a long time ago
Cry for this racial war
In all Rwanda's glory
There ain't no glory in a war ain't no glory
RX Bandits's song In All Rwanda’s Glory is an anti-war song that sends a powerful message about the devastation of war and the importance of human rights. The first verse poses the question of what individuals would be willing to fight for; their country, or for something greater. It highlights the way in which individuals are urged to pick up guns and fight in wars, with the leaders only protecting their own interests, and only when it is financially beneficial for them to do so. The second verse points out that human rights have been neglected, replaced by the greed for money, which is a global issue, and this has led to countless wars and conflicts, and a disregard for the sanctity of human life.
The chorus further emphasizes the destructive nature of war, referencing the Rwandan genocide and the lack of glory in any war. The song reminds us that we are all part of the same human race, no matter our ethnicity, and that we must all stand up for human rights and peace, and not fall prey to the propaganda of those who seek to control us. The overall message of the song seems to be that if we are to move forward as a global community, we must strive for peace, human rights, and equality, and reject the toxic ideologies that support wars and conflicts.
Line by Line Meaning
What do you want to be
Questioning individual's aspirations and values.
Would you fight for your country
Asking if people would be willing to go to war for their country.
Leaders say "why don't you pick up a gun and shoot at somebody"
Political figures urging individuals to take up arms for their country.
But they're only gonna protect you if that dollar sign is right
Stating that financial gain is the true motivation behind government protection of their citizens.
There's a war in every nation but we turn our heads tonight
Acknowledging the existence of wars around the world that are being ignored.
Human rights went on vacation
Human rights have been disregarded and ignored.
Money took over a long time ago
The true priority and motivation of society has shifted towards monetary gain.
Cry for this racial war
Expressing sadness and concern for the racial conflicts happening around the world.
In all Rwanda's glory
Referencing the Rwandan genocide and stating that there is no glory in war.
There ain't no glory in a war ain't no glory
Emphasizing that no matter the circumstance, war is never something to glorify.
A black man or a white man
Highlighting the differences in race that cause conflict.
Or an Asian or a Mexican
Mentioning other racial categories that are also discriminated against.
Or an African or a South African
Stating that even within the same continent, there are still racial divides.
Or a Serbian or a Libyan
Referring to conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East to show that racial conflicts are a global issue.
You're all one race, the human race
Stating that despite superficial differences, we are all the same and belong to the same species.
Just a different smile for a different face
Suggesting that smiles on different faces should not be a cause for conflict or discrimination.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind