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.
What's Wrong With Me
RX Bandits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's gone off to fight
The new world war
He's gonna be a hero
Ya he'll be a star
But what is seen
Ain't what it means
To you, you see the rest
You think that's best
Daddy thinks that its the right way
Daddy says he'll be okay!
But now daddy has stopped writing
And you don't know what to say
What's right I can't see
(This time I'm headed for the door)
What is wrong with me
I can see were so blind
Were so blind I can see
So upset at the world
And its mediocrity
Johnny sighs
As he leans back into his office chair
He runs his fingers
Through his clean cut hair
Piles of bullshit
Growing up around his desk are large
'Cause that's the only way
That johnny knows to charge
Johnny thinks that its the right way
Cause he gets six days off a year
Johnny still ain't sick of waiting
Because he don't know what is fair
What's right I can't see
(This time I'm headed for the door)
What is wrong with me
I can see were so blind
Were so blind I can see
So upset at the world
And its mediocrity
The RX Bandits' song "Wrong With Me" is a commentary on the disillusionment and frustration with the world's state of affairs. The opening lines of the song describe a father who has gone off to fight in a new world war, fully believing that his actions will make him a hero and a star. However, the singer suggests that what is seen is not necessarily what it actually means. This allusion to the deceptive nature of war sets the tone for the rest of the song.
The song then shifts its focus to another character, Johnny, who works in an office and is similarly disillusioned with the world. He is surrounded by piles of "bullshit" that he feels he must charge through in order to succeed. However, despite his hard work, he only gets six days off a year and does not know what is truly fair in the world. The lyrics suggest a sense of hopelessness and frustration with the status quo, and the repeated refrain of "What's right I can't see / What is wrong with me / I can see we're so blind / So upset at the world and its mediocrity" speaks to a larger societal issue.
In essence, "Wrong With Me" speaks to the need for change and the desire to break free from the limitations and injustices of the world. It encourages listeners to recognize the flaws of society and to take action to address them.
Line by Line Meaning
Daddys gone now
Father has left and is no longer around.
He's gone off to fight
Father has joined the military and is fighting in a war.
The new world war
Father is fighting in a war that has consumed the entire world.
He's gonna be a hero
Father believes he will do something great and be revered as a hero.
Ya he'll be a star
Father will be recognized as a star for his heroic actions.
But what is seen
Father's actions and the war itself may not be what they seem.
Ain't what it means
What appears to be happening may not be the reality.
To you, you see the rest
The artist is able to see beyond the facade of the war and understands the reality.
Now daddy's gonna go and kill
Father will have to kill other people in the war.
You think that's best
Father's actions may not align with what the artist believes is the best course of action.
Daddy thinks that its the right way
Father believes that fighting in the war is the correct path to take.
Daddy says he'll be okay!
Father reassures his family that he will be alright during the war.
But now daddy has stopped writing
Father has stopped communicating with the family and there is no information about his wellbeing.
And you don't know what to say
The family is uncertain about what to do or say without knowing about father's current situation.
What's right I can't see
The singer is unsure about what the right thing to do is.
(This time I'm headed for the door)
The artist is leaving in search of answers or clarity.
What is wrong with me
The artist is uncertain why they have such conflicting emotions and thoughts.
I can see were so blind
The singer sees that everyone around them is unaware of the true reality of the war and father's situation.
Were so blind I can see
The singer is able to recognize the ignorance of others while feeling lost themselves.
So upset at the world
The artist is frustrated with the state of the world and the war.
And its mediocrity
The artist is aware of the mundanity of everyday life and is disheartened by it.
Johnny sighs
The focus switches to Johnny and his struggles.
As he leans back into his office chair
Johnny is relaxing at his job, but it is not fulfilling.
He runs his fingers
Johnny is feeling anxious and fidgety.
Through his clean cut hair
Johnny has put effort into his appearance, suggesting a desire to impress.
Piles of bullshit
Johnny is surrounded by meaningless work and tasks.
Growing up around his desk are large
The meaningless work is slowly accumulating around Johnny.
'Cause that's the only way
Johnny has accepted that this is how he is supposed to live his life.
That johnny knows to charge
Johnny has learned to keep working despite the lack of fulfillment and purpose.
Johnny thinks that its the right way
Johnny believes that working hard at his unfulfilling job is the correct path to take.
Cause he gets six days off a year
Johnny is only able to take six days off from work each year, which he may perceive as a luxury.
Johnny still ain't sick of waiting
Johnny has been waiting for something better, but has yet to become fed up with the current situation.
Because he don't know what is fair
Johnny cannot determine what would be fair for him or his life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind