Rx Bandits - The Resignation [2003]

I don't know why I originally looked up Rx Bandits (probably because of The Sound of Animals Fighting) but when I did, the first song I heard by them was Prophetic off of 2003's The Resignation. For anyone who's heard this song, they know it's a great jumping-off point from a great album. The record in general is another step away from the 3rd wave ska that the band started. It's more experimental, more intricate guitar work, and more powerful than what they'd released before. The use of horns was slowly being phased out, eventually having ...And The Battle Begun be the least record using them but on The Resignation they accent the music beautifully. The songs flow excellently from one to the other, using instrumental transitions and ambient sounds, the whole album feels connected rather than just a collection of tracks. This album is another reason 2003 was an amazing year in music and is one of my personal favorites of all time.

Genre: Experimental, Progressive ska
For Fans Of: The Sound Of Animals Fighting, The Mars Volta,
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Sell You Beautiful
2. Prophetic
3. Newstand Rock (Exposition)
4. Overcome (The Recapitulation)
5. Never Slept So Soundly
6. Taking Chase As The Serpent Slithers
7. Republic
8. Mastering The List
9. Falling Down The Mountain
10. Dinna-Dawg (And The Inevitable Onset Of Lunacy)
11. Pal-Treaux
12. Decrescendo



- A

RX Bandits - Live At Park Ave CDs [2010]

This 5 track live EP was recorded July 20th, 2009 at (you guessed it!) Park Avenue CDs in Florida. It's an acoustic set, which adds a completely new feel to the songs performed. It's got a good collection of songs from the past 3 records as well as a cover of The Wailers. This was originally released on Record Store Day, and I happened upon it while buying some other albums, a nice little grab if I do say so myself. After doing some research, it looks like the CD doesn't actually have all of the songs performed (such as My Lonesome Only Friend) but the few that it does have make up for it. At one point, a fan calls out for an older song (Secret Agent Man) and Matt Embree, singer/vocalist goes on a rant about how he's trying to claim RXB cred, just a funny little break in the EP.

Genre: Progressive Ska
For Fans Of: Zechs Marquise, The Mars Volta, The Wailers
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. Prophetic
2. 1980
3. Hearts That Hanker For Mistake
4. Only For The Night
5. The Youth



- A

Rx Bandits - ...And The Battle Begun [2006]

The Rx Bandits are a funny animal. They started off as straight up third-wave ska but over time turned into what I've deemed progressive ska then dropped all brass and are now an experimental group somewhat along the lines of The Mars Volta. They're an amazing group that is truly fueled by love and respect and I love them for sticking to themselves and growing in such an amazing fashion. This album, ...And The Battle Begun is their 5th LP (hot damn!) and it really shows the experience they've gained throughout their years. The songs are full of amazing lyricism and catchy melodies. The guitar work is intricate but still groovy. Really an amazing release and was able to make a musical off year (I see 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, as the "on years") still really good.

Genre: Progressive Ska
For Fans Of: The Mars Volta, Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22
Contact: Myspace
Tracklisting:
1. [Untitled]
2. ...And The Battle Begun
3. In Her Drawer
4. Only For The Night
5. On The Lonely Screen
6. 1980
7. One Million Miles An Hour, Half Asleep
8. Apparition
9. A Mouth Full of Empty Threats?
10. Epoxi-Lips
11. Tainted Wheat
12. To Out Unborn Daughters
13. Crushing Destroyer


- Alek