Rx Bandits

Rx Bandits are an American ska-punk group from Seal Beach, California, active since 1997. Their line-up includes Steve Borth II, Rich Balling, Matthew Embree, Joseph Troy, Chris Tsagakis, Rich Zahniser and Christopher Sheets. The band develops from Southern California ska-punk, but their sound moves beyond that base into progressive rock, punk and reggae, which they describe as “groove tech”.

Early releases and stylistic change

The group begins with a ska-influenced sound and starts out alongside other Southern California acts such as Reel Big Fish and No Doubt. Of the original line-up, Matthew Embree and Chris Tsagakis remain in the band. Their first two releases are recorded with bassist James Salomone and trombonist Rich Balling. After signing to Drive-Thru Records, they release Halfway Between Here and There, a third-wave ska album that also points to the political themes that become more prominent later.

With Progress in 2001, Rx Bandits make a major shift away from pure ska. The record includes punk, reggae and hardcore punk elements, and the band’s influences range from Fugazi and Bad Brains to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Toots and the Maytals. It also produces their only music video, for “Analog Boy”. Steve Choi plays keyboards on the album before becoming a full-time member later, while Rich Balling and James Salomone leave the group.

The Resignation and later albums

By the time of The Resignation in 2003, the band includes Embree, Tsagakis, Balling, Salomone and trombonist Chris Sheets. The album is issued as a CD/DVD release and is recorded live apart from vocals and some overdubs. Embree shares songwriting with Steve Choi for the first time, and the record continues the band’s use of unusual time signatures and overtly political lyrics, especially in songs such as “Overcome (The Recapitulation)” and “Mastering the List”. The cover art is based on a painting by Aaron Nagel, who is associated with Link 80 and DESA.

After The Resignation, several members pursue other projects. Steve Borth leaves in 2006 to focus on Satori. Embree works through MDB Records and solo project Love You Moon, and also contributes to Seekret Socyetee, Coke vs. Bills with Joe Troy, Pebaluna with Lauren Coleman, and Apotheke with members of Rx Bandits. Choi plays drums in Machines and works with Mike Park in The Chinkees and The Bruce Lee Band. Embree and Tsagakis are also core members of The Sound Of Animals Fighting, while Tsagakis leads the ambient electronic project Technology.

Later releases continue the band’s genre-shifting approach. ...And The Battle Begun appears in 2006 through Sargent House and MDB Records and adds more progressive rock and funk grooves. The record helps secure the band a place on the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Mandala follows in 2009 and is built around Tsagakis’s drumming, Troy’s bass parts and guitar interplay between Choi and Embree. In 2014 the band releases its seventh studio album, Gemini, Her Majesty, on Mash Down Babylon and INgrooves. Jason Cupp produces the album at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Sonoma County, California.

Live reputation and activity

Rx Bandits are known for energetic live performances that often include improvisation and extended versions of songs. Their concerts are described as more expansive than their recordings suggest. The band appears at major festivals including Bonnaroo, Coachella, Bamboozle and Reading, and their music is featured in video games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band and used in ESPN’s X Games. Despite a period in which the band says a summer tour will be its last, Rx Bandits remain active and continue to tour.