Rx Bandits consists of Chris Sheets (trombone), Chris Tsagakis (drums), Joe Troy (bass), Matt Embree (guitar, vocals), Steve Borth (saxophone), Steve Choi (guitar, keyboard).
The Rx Bandits are a six-member band based in Seal Beach, California. Their musical style is an eclectic mix of ska, punk, rock and reggae.
The band started out amid other popular southern California ska-influenced acts such as Reel Big Fish and No Doubt. Of the original line-up, only singer/songwriter Matt Embree and drummer Chris Tsagakis remain. Their first two releases were recorded with bassist James Salomone and trombonist Rich Balling. Upon signing to Drive-Thru Records, the band released the album Halfway Between Here and There, a straightforward third-wave ska effort, though lyrics in songs such as "Gun In Your Hand" hinted towards the political leanings which would be evident in their subsequent releases.
They are notable for their strong political views, which they share with fans through periodic website posts . They have toured with such bands as label mates New Found Glory and Finch, as well as with DESA, The Exit and Keziah Jones. They have also appeared on the Vans Warped Tour.
Their live shows are known for being highly energetic, with pre-rehearsed jams in between songs. They perform extended versions of many numbers; they fall somewhat short of being a full fledged " jam band," however it is fair to say that they exhibit musicianship live that is not captured by their recordings.
With 2001's Progress, the band took a huge step forward musically. The incarnation of the band which recorded the album consisted of Embree, Tsagaskis, Balling, Salomone, and current trombonist Chris Sheets. Steve Choi played keyboards on the album, but was not credited as a full member of the band, although he often joined the band on stage. With this album, the band moved beyond playing pure ska. Progress involved elements of punk, reggae, and hardcore punk. Indeed, the band itself notes influences ranging from Fugazi and Bad Brains, to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Toots and the Maytals. The album spawned their only music video, for the song "Analog Boy".