Rx Bandits - ...And the Battle Begun

[Brandon Allin]

Rx Bandits (http://www.absolutepunk.net/rxbandits) - ...And The Battle Begun
Release Date: October 10th, 2006
Record Label: Mash Down Babylon Records

I've always been recognized as one that's held tight to a firm belief that no matter how much distaste one may hold for a proficient ensemble of musicians, it's unfeasible to discredit those very performers, and nearly twice the challenge to degrade them. While I personally may not hold the title of the Rx Bandits' most dedicated, loyal cosumer, the very thought of turning a blind eye to their contemporary work is downright absurd. In 2003, listeners observed what is notably one of the most extraordinary musical revelations the world has ever laid eyes upon, as the band migrated further from their original, third-wave ska approach on their fourth, full-length effort, The Resignation. While few found themselves displeased with the band's unpredictable sound alterations, many were wide-eyed and doubtlessly overjoyed with the group's risky, yet impeccable metamorphosis.

Three years later, with their long-awaited, fifth full-length release, ...And the Battle Begun, the Seal Beach quintet once again dip their feet into an expansive array of diverse musical techniques, chaotic instrumentation, and ravishing musicianship, all the while roaming considerably further than one might possibly predict. While it's true that the last remaining traces of the band's earliest work have more or less dissapeared, it's effortful to muster enough sadness to label oneself as substantially upset. On ...And the Battle Begun, we glimpse the cast, led by lead vocalist and guitarist Matthew Embree, incorporate intricate progressive rock elements into their already distinctive fusion of rock, punk, and ska music, in turn creating what is arguably the act's most alluring work to date.

The release discloses itself in a rather calm manner with an untitled offering on which Embree comfortably shares his opening thoughts ("It's over. I must have seen her face before. I fell in love when I was born") before surging into the release's title track,"...And the Battle Begun." On the lead offering, the Rx Bandits assure their faithful audience that their creative fountain has all but dried up, as Embree and his troops sail effortlessly through a series of complex chord progressions and uncommon time signatures, both of which are qualities the many-sided quinted perpetually embrace. On "Only For The Night", the album's fourth track, trombonist Chris Sheets and now-departed saxophonist Steve Borth make their inhabitance crystal-clear with a series of simple, yet fancy arrangements, and while truthfully their combined presence is found under the spotlight rather infrequently, the pair complement the group's, which consists of the aforementioned Embree, as well as guitarist Steve Choi, bassist Joseph Troy, and drummer Christopher Tsagakis, rumpled approach fantastically. On "1980", the record's halfway point, the Rx Bandits present a contagious blend of punk-rock and progressive rock, and one which features the unique vocal style of Embree amidst an adventitious aggregation of peerless musical notation and entangled patterns.

The second half of ...And the Battle Begun catapults itself into full gear with the energetic rock anthem, "One Million Miles an Hour, Fast Asleep", on which Embree uses his guitar to showcase his unadulterated ability to concoct powerful compositions without rehashing tried and tested formulas. On "Apparation", the flavourful, reggae jam, the Rx Bandits allow listeners to glimpse one of the rare footprints reminiscent of the group's initial form, though the offering is certainly laced with their present trademarks as to appease both sides of their audience. On "Tainted Wheat", the album's tenth exertion, the band bounds through an extensive list of various measures and tempos, each of which highlight the group's phenomenal, rampageous musicianship and instrumentation. The eleventh track found on ...And the Battle Begun, "To Our Unborn Daughters", once again advertises the act's knack for experimentation and creativity, as the track exhibits all the definitive characteristics of a "jam" band. Thankfully, despite the fact that many critics and listeners alike have labelled the act as a free-roaming outfit without any habit for standard formation, the Bandits manage to retain a considerable amount of apparent tendency for rhythmic blueprints. On "Crushing Destroyer", the release's closing curtain, the group produces what is undoubtedly the record's most media-friendly recipe, owing much to the track's dominant, punk-inspired chorus, on which Embree shouts "it's contagious, we can't slow down" over a searing, austere arrangement.

With nearly a decade full of trials, tribulations, and experience under their belts, it's no exaggeration to assume that this battle will continue to rage on and on, perhaps long after these five musicians are dead and gone. ...And the Battle Begun is without a doubt one of the most compelling and inquistive releases of the year, and one with a response that will assuredly be less than comatose. While the Rx Bandits' rubric may not earn the group the mainstream attention and recognition that so many desperately desire, which is primarily due to their less than radio-friendly approach and unusual craftsmanship, the group have certainly acquired their fair share of unconventional praise, and prestige that's bound to to remain intact with each shot fired. The battle has begun. Which side are you on?

The Mars Volta, Satori, The Sound of Animals Fighting, MoneenOfficial Website (http://www.rxbandits.com) | MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/rxbandits) | pureVOLUME (http://www.purevolume.com/rxbandits) | MDB Records (http://www.mdbrecords.com)

[Scott Irvine]

The battle has begun. Which side are you on?

Whatever side that favors this album.

I found lyrically it wasn't as political as the rest of their albums. That was my impression anyways.

[Brandon Allin]

Whatever side that favors this album.

I found lyrically it wasn't as political as the rest of their albums. That was my impression anyways.
I feel the same way, which hopefully explains why I didn't mention the general genre of their lyrical content. :-)

[Chris Fallon]

Rx Bandits are one of my very favorite bands, and obviously, I'm a big fan of The Resignation, but this album is growing on me quickly. Really solid review, Brandon.

[D_Daydreamer]

Love it...along with thier earlier albums...

[Brandon Allin]

Rx Bandits are one of my very favorite bands, and obviously, I'm a big fan of The Resignation, but this album is growing on me quickly. Really solid review, Brandon.
Thanks, Chris. I appreciate the kind words, buddy.

[plain white t's]

might have to check this album out

[oshyjay]

Wow, I'm surprised it was only given a 79%.
No offense at all Brandon, it just seems by your review that you really liked the album.
Mayeb I'm just a bit biased $-)

[Brandon Allin]

Wow, I'm surprised it was only given a 79%.
No offense at all Brandon, it just seems by your review that you really liked the album.
Mayeb I'm just a bit biased $-)
I did my best to present no bias whatsoever in my review, and I mentioned that while I am by no means a huge fan of the Rx Bandits in their current form, it's too hard to not give credit to them as credit is certainly due.

Also, by no means is a 79% a low score. That's only 21% away from from being absolutely perfect, so take it for what it's worth. :-)

[lilRIPsta]

79%? 7.5 Vox? I never got into Rx before this but i absolutely love this album. I've had it for a few months and i think its my fave cd of the year and quickly become a classic for me that has made me a loyal RX Bandits fan now. Im just surprised it didnt get a higher rating

[El_Jeffe]

one of the best bands around today, another great review brandon

[Brandon Allin]

one of the best bands around today, another great review brandon
Thank you, Craig.

[btbam > you]

great review, but you know i dont agree with that score <3

[saysmydoctor]

Good review, I don't them that much, but I respect them. Good music, just not my thing.

[Bongi5788]

cd release show in boston on halloween tmr ....im there whaaaaaaat

[fluke182]

I just had my first listen through today, I'd listen to bits and pieces before, this was my first straight through listen today - it is spectacular. I need to give it a few more spins before I can confirm it, but after a listen it's probably top 5 of the year for me. Good review though.

[Blake Solomon]

Hooray!!!! Im so happy you finally reviewed this Brandon!!!!

[romantic rights]

great review like always brandon <3.

[Tony]

I love this band to no end, but this album hasn't done a whole lot for me in the months that I've had it. It lacks the punch of The Resignation and is really a bit of a mess. I knew there was no way of them topping The Resignation, but this was just a let down and one of the year's biggest disappointments.

[abusedcat]

Great record.

[ren]

Some of the most impressive musicians out there right now. Veritable virtuoso of their respective instruments. I'm impressed.

[RX XR]

a 79? thats weak. you guys give cobra starship a 76 and this a 79. hm.

[druck]

I'm very surprised, I think this should be in the 85-90's.

[LMB]

I'm very surprised, I think this should be in the 85-90's.

Agreed. This is one of the more solid albums of the year. Easily of the Bandits' best.

[sarch]

i'd agree with most of the people on here, it's a pretty good album, i don't know if it's as good as the resignation yet. Definitly one of the better reviews on this website.

[cannibalgirl]

a very good review that doesnt match up with a 79.
this cd is amazing. mid 80's at least, because ur not gonna find a much better cd.

[FatJordan]

Ahhhhh...I want to punch you in the face for giving this a 79%...but at least the review is solid in support.

I still call this album of the year.

[Vanilla Bear]

Nice review...definately will have to check this out. The Resignation is one of my favorite records...this band definately has a vision in their music. Weird that they're not on Drive-Thru anymore...probably too political for them.

[TheBaroness]

great review, though I would have rated it higher.

[iambmann]

yeah i thought it was great I got the album at a show a lil back and Im goin to see them again this friday

[Domenic182]

Awesome review Brandon.

[Darren McLeod]

Solid review. Disagree with the score, but still a very solid review. Awesome work, Brandon.

[weworemasks]

like others, i disagree with the score. i almost like this record as much as progress. nothing can fuck with the resignation, though.

[Scott Weber]

people will complain about anything.

[Drew Beringer]

people will complain about anything.

Goddammit Scott, use proper puncuation in your posts! Shit, son!

[bikescene]

"On the lead offering, the Rx Bandits assure their faithful audience that their creative fountain has all but dried up"

Wrong phrase to use?

[xre]

Low score, this CD is fantastic! Almost as great as Catch 22's "Permanent Revolution" earlier this year.. and they sound a lot alike as well!

[Tony Pascarella]

Good review, Brandon. I also agree with the score; it's not an amazing album, but still is pretty solid nonetheless.

[Brandon Allin]

"On the lead offering, the Rx Bandits assure their faithful audience that their creative fountain has all but dried up"

Wrong phrase to use?
No. That means there's plenty of creativity left.

As for the score, I knew a fair amount of people would argue that I scored it too low, but coming from someone who isn't exactly an overly avid supporter of the Rx Bandits, you've got to admit that a score that's only a mere 21% away from being absolutely perfect is pretty damn good.

But, thanks for all the compliments, and thanks for the input! :-)

[WakingTheMisery]

Easily in my top ten of the year. I listen to it almost everyday. Seeing them on Friday!

[bikescene]

No. That means there's plenty of creativity left.

No it doesn't, "all but dried up" means it's very nearly or pretty much dried up. I'm not trying to be an ass or anything, the review was really good, it's just when I read that bit I got confused for a bit because it was pretty much the opposite of what you said just after. X-)

[Brandon Allin]

No it doesn't, "all but dried up" means it's very nearly or pretty much dried up. I'm not trying to be an ass or anything, the review was really good, it's just when I read that bit I got confused for a bit because it was pretty much the opposite of what you said just after. X-)
I've always looked at that phrase, or variations of that phrase, as meaning the exact opposite, but I may very well be incorrect. So, let it be known that I intended for that phrase to be complimentary rather than derogatory.

But, thank you for the heads up.

[bikescene]

Maah I do stuff like that all the time, no problem :-) Awesome review anyway :-)

[Brandon Allin]

Maah I do stuff like that all the time, no problem :-) Awesome review anyway :-)
Thank you very much.

[NameTaken69]

awesome review brandon. this album is amazing

[Brandon Allin]

awesome review brandon. this album is amazing
Thanks. I appreciate it.

[roxy]

Awesome review Brandon

[Brandon Allin]

Awesome review Brandon
Thanks, Ashley. :-)

[oshyjay]

I did my best to present no bias whatsoever in my review, and I mentioned that while I am by no means a huge fan of the Rx Bandits in their current form, it's too hard to not give credit to them as credit is certainly due.

Also, by no means is a 79% a low score. That's only 21% away from from being absolutely perfect, so take it for what it's worth. :-)

That's true.
I came off as a bit of a jerk, I'm sorry.
I just really liked the album; I'm surprised they aren't more popular (at least in the circles I associate with...so it could just be me).
Great review nonetheless :wave:

[Brandon Allin]

That's true.
I came off as a bit of a jerk, I'm sorry.
I just really liked the album; I'm surprised they aren't more popular (at least in the circles I associate with...so it could just be me).
Great review nonetheless :wave:
No, you didn't come off as a jerk. I simply wanted to explain myself, as I'm sure many other readers had similar thoughts. Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. :-)

[Dan CiTi]

There needs to be a Ditto smiley.

[castaway]

for fans of moneen, eh?

now i'm gonna check this out.

[Rxbandit22]

I'm not going to say sorry for this one, but this review deserves at least at 90.
Compared to all the other crap that is around a high 70 score.
The review is great,but the score doesn't give it justice.

[RiskyXBandit]

my favorite album of the year.
i think it's the greatest album they ever put together.
but i'm still going to always like resignation better.
just because that was my summer soundtrack when i visited Cali.

awesome review.

can't say anough good things about this band.

[terrrrrible]

Good review. Thought the score could be a little higher. Seeing these guys tonight, it's going to be a lot of fun.

[Brandon Allin]

Thanks alot, gentlemen.

[emoishardcore]

Whatever side that favors this album.

I found lyrically it wasn't as political as the rest of their albums. That was my impression anyways.

yeah but then halfway between ehre and there and their "thos damn bandits" albums where no where political albums in their own right.....i like what they did here producing it on their own almost and really making a album i could enjoy when really i found their last full length way to experimental almost...i dont know if taht makes sense.

[insertwithere]

this band records live in the studio. everything you hear them do was done at once, as a group.

i'd love to see a band (and while i do love them) like fall out boy try that and see how well it goes.

[Vanilla Bear]

this band records live in the studio. everything you hear them do was done at once, as a group.

i'd love to see a band (and while i do love them) like fall out boy try that and see how well it goes.

Wow...that's crazy kewl! Makes me like them even more...great talent

[CorporateFish]

Though I might disagree with some of the scoring, incredible review. Great work.

[jonnyalmagest]

Yeah, great review! In comparison with The Resignation, I'm not sure which I like more. I read an interview where Matt talked about how they dropped whoever produced The Resignation, because they didn't want this record to be as blatantly 'rock', which I can dig. This is definately in my top 3 of the year. They put on a wonderfully passionate and fun loving show. And I think this time around the political lyrics are split up with lyrics about love and relationships.

On a sidenote, I really hope Matt's solo set at the TSOAF show is on the DVD that's coming out. He played an AMAZING solo set and I hope to hear some of it recorded eventually.

[Brandon Allin]

Thanks alot, everybody.

[Bongi5788]

was at a cd realease halloween show tonight at axis in boston>>> band was unreallllll... played a lot of new shit but good amount of classics. Closed with Decrencendo

[capnshindig]

Good review. But I think you should have mentioned the extremely apparent lack of production. The vocals can be barely heard on the first few tracks.

[LMB]

Good review. But I think you should have mentioned the extremely apparent lack of production. The vocals can be barely heard on the first few tracks.

What the hell kinda copy or are you listening to? The only time the vocals are be barely heard is in "...and the Battle Begun" when they're fading in. The vocals are plenty loud and practically shouted at you throughout the album.

[punkerz2003]

Good review, but I'm curious as to why you gave the vocals a 7.5.

[Brandon Allin]

Good review, but I'm curious as to why you gave the vocals a 7.5.
Do you feel that score is too high, or too low?

[punkerz2003]

Do you feel that score is too high, or too low?

Too low, I absolutely love Matt Embree's voice.

[newdesign]

I think that in order to fully appreciate Rx as the brilliant musicians they are, one must really see them live. It sort of clicks then, trust any Bandits fan. I would agree with the score if I had never seen Rx live (which, thank god, I have). But seriously, this album deserves a higher score. Review is solid though. I think that "And The Battle Begun" is one of the best songs the Bandits have ever written...ever, if not the best. Come on, what else are ya lookin for?

[Brandon Allin]

Too low, I absolutely love Matt Embree's voice.

To each their own. I think Matt has a great voice, but nothing overly spectacular.

I think that in order to fully appreciate Rx as the brilliant musicians they are, one must really see them live. It sort of clicks then, trust any Bandits fan. I would agree with the score if I had never seen Rx live (which, thank god, I have). But seriously, this album deserves a higher score. Review is solid though. I think that "And The Battle Begun" is one of the best songs the Bandits have ever written...ever, if not the best. Come on, what else are ya lookin for?

I for one haven't seen the Rx Bandits live, so unfortunately, I only have the record to judge them upon.

[ParodyofanAngel]

Seeing the Bandits live is an experience man, it's not a normal concert. The sheer amount of energy they have on stage is mind blowing. Definitely the best live band I've seen.

[Brandon Allin]

Seeing the Bandits live is an experience man, it's not a normal concert. The sheer amount of energy they have on stage is mind blowing. Definitely the best live band I've seen.
That's wonderful. I'd love to see them, but I'm afraid they very rarely come my way.

[allthruwinter]

This album is one of my favorites this year, rxb never ever disappoints me. The review was really solid too, kudos.

[allthruwinter]

Seeing the Bandits live is an experience man, it's not a normal concert. The sheer amount of energy they have on stage is mind blowing. Definitely the best live band I've seen.

fucking agreed, i saw them for the first time two nights ago and it was one of the best shows of my life.

[Brandon Allin]

This album is one of my favorites this year, rxb never ever disappoints me. The review was really solid too, kudos.
Thank you very much.

[halfpipe21]

I've been browsing through the posts on here about the album, and I think a lot of people including Brandon have missed the point of the lyrics completely. These lyrics are a little more shrouded in secrecy in relation to other albums, but so is anti-depressent and other pill use. I've got 2 roommates in rehab for problems that developed from pill abuse, and it's a serious issue in this country that's rapidly growing. My roommate calimed the THREE anti-depressents she was on weren't drugs. "They're in her drawer but she says she doesn't take 'em" Plus this album is full of lyrics related to doctors prescribing these meds. Has anyone else begun to think about the overall story in the songs?

[Cashingout]

are they just incredible, One of my top 10 albums Ever!

[ShermitCrab]

are they just incredible, One of my top 10 albums Ever!
You are awesome. One of my favorite albums ever as well.

[genericmadness]

i'm gonna be the 50th person to say i think it's worthy of 85+%... the bandits' best, and one of my favourites

[Cashingout]

Cot Damn. Chris, and Matt just stunned everybody at bonnaroo. The whole band is just amazingly talented. By far top ten bands in this generation. Too bad they don't have Borth anymore...

[DanTWB]

I think the review was very good. Rx Bandits are my favorite band, and I agree with a lot of positive points that the reviewer made, and it was also a good thing to see peoples negative views of this record. Overall i do think it deserved a better grade given all of the positive marks. This album is definitely my favorite album. I recently started listening to this album with headphones on instead of through speakers and it has opened my ears so much. Not many people that this album was recorded live, and when you listen closely you can hear where they stopped and started again, and you hear all of the extra piano and percussion tracks that were added that really bring out certain tracks, especially Apparition. Overall, I love this album and can talk about forever.

[arcars]

i really enjoyed your review, you hit it exactly. they did a great job with this album, progressing again in the same direction they had from progress. one of the few originals out there today. really great work again on the review.

[caress me down]

lyrics 7.5? are you crazy?

[springsoldier]

i agree no way lyrics should've gotten 7.5. matt embree is an amazing writer. i dont think its fair how something so beautiful as this cd could get the score that it did when stuff like fall out boy gets scores in the 90's.

[stereokiller]

i agree no way lyrics should've gotten 7.5. matt embree is an amazing writer. i dont think its fair how something so beautiful as this cd could get the score that it did when stuff like fall out boy gets scores in the 90's.
haha. i might agree to this one.

this is slowly becoming one of my favorite records. def a 90 something.

respect the review though. to each their own.


the record is mindblowing. =| the fade in to battle begun is AMAZIIING. my favorites are 1980 and epoxi-lips.