Matt Embree is a genuis. There’s no two ways about it, the guy is amazing. ‘Progress’ is a superb record that hints at so much. The quality of musicianship, the way the songs flit between ska, pop, punk and reggae…the lyrical slant, the live show. RxB in this era were amazing. ‘The Resignation’ not only reaffirms the notion that RxB are vital, it shows a level of maturity that really sets them up to be a band to be reckoned with.
‘The Resignation’ is a political and social beast. Matt has a lot to say and uses RxB as his vehicle to put his point across. On first listen it’s not the most accessible of records at all. The songs bear little resemblence to the melodic tones that litter its predecessor, instead they seem more mature, and so there’s a lot more thought with this record – it builds on the foundations built during the making of ‘Progress’. Tracks like the opening ‘Sell You Beautiful’ and ‘Prophetic’ only take a couple of listens before they ram home the point and settle down inside the brain, taking residence in the sub-consciousness. It’s not just the music that means a lot, Matt is intent on making his point, even if the pictures in the sleeve (of the band members gagged) would hint otherwise.
The rawk of ‘Newstand Rock’ is a social beast of a song that not only berates the American constitution but also the people for believeing the lies they fed. “I’m not buying anything they’re selling,” Matt sings, and with the song short and sweet and fast of pace, it’s easy to get swept along with the feeling. ‘Overcome’ follows up with the most obviuous lyrical statement yet, but with the least accessible song. “We’ve had enough,” Matt sings among trhe sqwual of feedback, before a reggae-tinged chorus that again sounds fantastic. This is RxB at their very best, the song gathers pace but doesn’t quite blow its own top. ‘Never sleep So Soundly’ is as close to a song you could have found on ‘Progress’, the chorus is as melodic as you will find and the brass is used perfectly alongside the guitar. Rx Bandits are no longer a ska band. They are RxB, their own genre.
‘Taking Chase As The Serpent Slithers’ has more than a passing nod to the likes of The Police, if they added several brass instruments to their sound. Matt’s vocals are incredibly distinctive anyway and are emnphasised in this song. They are strong and meaningful, just like the messages contained in his songs. ‘Republic’ is harder and faster, ‘Mastering the List’ riff-tastic and ‘Falling Down The Mountain’ brilliant. Each song is different yet totally RxB. They really are as inventive a band as there is out there right now. There’s hardly a foot put wrong throughout as the final track ‘Decrescendo’ proves. Again it’s possibly more instant than some of the songs, you will be tapping away before long. And if you’re not, you’ll be singing along. You just won’t be able to escape the RxB clutches for long.
Rx Bandits are a band that you should at least check out. Yes they’re on Drive Thru, but hide the bias and you’ll discover a band that deserve your full attention. As talented as any band out there at the moment, they have something to say which is rare enough in the industry at the moment. If you expect the poppyness of their older material you may be disappointed, but by the same token, just open your ears and you’ll discover an amazing band that have so much to say.
www.rxbandits.com
Paul