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.
It's Only Another Parsec…
RX Bandits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are sparks to turn the dark to light
Invariable presence
(So you know that I'm with you)
If the weight it seems too great
May this melody invigorate
And empower your persistence
They got it
The world is yours to devour
These notes I pen to you my friend
Are swords to slice through your distress
And dissolve your dejection
And may this harmony create
A sanctuary for escape
To provide a volition
And you've got
An invincible design
An invincible design
All I can do is play
And you've got
An invincible design
An invincible design
I tell you, all I can do is play
Shall we be terrified of the unknown?
Insurgent vicissitude of time
Shall we be terrified
If you're bored then your probably boring
And you've got
An invincible design
An invincible design
I tell you, all I can do is play
And you've got
An invincible design
An invincible design
I tell you, all I can do is play
The song "It's Only Another Parsec…" by RX Bandits, is filled with uplifting and empowering lyrics that serve to motivate and inspire the listener. The first verse speaks of the power of the written word, and how it can serve to guide and uplift, even in the darkest of times. The line "prepared a splint in your soul, they got it" seems to suggest that the songwriter is aware of their listener's struggles and has come up with a way to help alleviate some of their pain. The chorus continues with the idea that the world is yours to devour, and that you have an invincible design that allows you to face anything that comes your way.
The second verse of the song continues with this theme, with the writer providing a sanctuary for escape, where the listener can find relief from their distress. The line "if you're bored then you're probably boring" may seem harsh, but it seems to suggest that there is always something new to discover, and that boredom is a self-imposed prison. The bridge of the song is perhaps the most intriguing, challenging the listener to reject the fear of the unknown and embrace the unpredictable nature of life.
Overall, the song is about the power of human resilience, and the idea that we are all capable of overcoming adversity and embracing the unknown. It is a song that celebrates the human spirit and encourages us to face whatever comes our way with strength and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
These words I write to you my dear
I am communicating my thoughts to you through writing.
Are sparks to turn the dark to light
My words aim to bring light to the darkness in your life.
Invariable presence
I want you to know that I will always be there for you.
(So you know that I'm with you)
I hope that this reassures you.
If the weight it seems too great
If the challenges you face seem overwhelming,
May this melody invigorate
I hope that my music will energize you.
And empower your persistence
May it inspire you to keep going.
Prepared a splint in your soul
I have tried to ease your emotional pain.
They got it
They understand your struggles as well.
The world is yours to devour
You have the power to conquer the world.
These notes I pen to you my friend
I am writing a letter to a close companion.
Are swords to slice through your distress
My words aim to cut through your difficulties.
And dissolve your dejection
I hope my words can make you feel hopeful again.
And may this harmony create
I hope this musical piece can inspire.
A sanctuary for escape
May it give you a place of refuge from your troubles.
To provide a volition
I hope it inspires you to take action.
And you've got
You possess
An invincible design
An indestructible makeup.
All I can do is play
I can only create art for you to enjoy.
Shall we be terrified of the unknown?
Should we be afraid of what we do not yet know?
Insurgent vicissitude of time
The unpredictable changes that come with the passage of time.
If you're bored then you're probably boring
If you are not interested in anything, then you are not interesting yourself.
Writer(s): Choi Steve, Embree Matthew Dean, Tsagakis Christopher Tyler, Troy Joseph Francis
Contributed by Henry F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.