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| Photo courtesy of RXBandits.com. |
Born on the shores of Long Beach, Calif., 16 years ago, the RX Bandits have somehow managed to enjoy a quiet longevity despite never having what could be considered a “hit” or even once flirting with the prospect of mainstream appeal. After five albums, a continually rotating cast of players and a complete sonic overhaul, the reggae-tinged rock band—which originated as something of a misguided Sublime tribute band—came to the familiar confines of Milwaukee for likely the last time in one of the final stops on the band’s farewell tour.
After a solid Maps & Atlases set rich in xylophones and ever-building percussion, the RX Bandits took their turn on the Turner Hall stage, with bandleader and founding member Matt Embree taking the time to snap a few pictures of the modestly-sized audience before setting an impassioned set into motion.
Photo album now updated, Embree and co. launched right into Progress tables-setter “VCG3” in what would turn out to be a final traverse of the band’s vast and varied catalog. More boisterous crowd-pleasing cuts from Progress and The Resignation, including “Infection” and “Sell You Beautiful,” followed as the nostalgic onlookers supplied vocal support.
Though the crowd did its part with backing vocals and well-placed handclaps, the Bandits did a lot to remind us why they’ve managed to stick around as long as they have—an airtight live show. When songs weren’t perfectly mirroring their album version, they were improved upon with breakdowns and partial cover songs used as introduction (including Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Fugazi’s “Break”).
As a band that stylistically ran the gamut of ska, reggae, pop punk and rock in its lengthy tenure, there were portions of the set to satisfy every faction of RX’s diverse fan base. Some songs found the crowd skanking and singing horn parts of the band’s now-absent brass section; others saw people screaming along to raucous and politically charged protest songs and throwing fists toward the venue’s crumbling ceiling. A foyer into the …And The Battle Begun-era Bandits brought about glassy eyed kids exchanging high fives as a skunky aroma permeated the air.
But the entire performance saw the band playing a gracious host to the adoring crowd. Between songs, Embree stressed his appreciation each audience member, as well as making personal mention of the band’s soundboard operator and bringing the tour manager and guitar tech on stage for a personal thank you and big sweaty hug.
In all, the RX Bandits took an event that had the makings of an oftentimes sad or spiteful ordeal and made it into a celebration of an underrated band and its appreciation for its fans.
Still, though, it would’ve been cooler to see Bon Iver instead.
