Hailing from Orange County, US, RX Bandits are a ska-punk act, throwing in a smorgasbord of influences to become one of the more innovative and accomplished acts of the scene.
Initially known as the Pharmaceutical Bandits, the band first came together in 1995, featuring Matt Embree (lead vocals/guitar), Franz J. Worth (bass), Chris Tsagakis (drums), Noah Gaffey (saxophone) and Rich Balling (trombone). A debut record, “Those Damn Bandits,” appeared in 1997, before the band changed their name to RX Bandits a year later.
Signing to Drive-Thru Records, they released a new album under their new moniker, “Halfway Between Here & There,” a more accomplished effort. Gaining support slots with Goldfinger, New Found Glory and Reel Big Fish, RX Bandits were able to raise their profile, before 2001’s “Progress” arrived.
The band’s lineup changed dramatically after the album, with Worth, Gaffney and Balling leaving, replaced by Steve Choi (keyboards), Joseph Troy (bass), Chris Sheets (trombone) and Steve Borth (saxophone), alongside a changing musical direction. Choosing a harder-hitting, progressive sound incorporating downbeat reggae with visceral post-hardcore, 2003’s “Resignation” became the first album to break into the Billboard 200.
Following a nationwide headline tour, their first album for new label MDB appeared in 2006, titled “…And the Battle Begun.” “Mandala” arrived in 2009, before RX Bandits announced their decision to go on an extended hiatus in 2011.
However, a year later, the band turned their decision around, embarking on a tour of Brazil and releasing a new EP in 2013, titled “The Resignation,” a collection of covers. After a North American tour, Chris Sheets left the band, leaving them as a four piece without any horns, changing their sound for their tenth release, “Gemini, Her Majesty” in 2014.
Phoebe Bridgers
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