Rx Bandits at Baltimore Soundstage

It was fitting that we had to take the train to the Rx Bandits concert in Baltimore on Wednesday night. Each of the forty-two minutes on the train heading north transported my brother and I back in time to the year 2003, when the bandits released their groundbreaking album “The Resignation.”

The Rx Bandits, a largely unknown progressive rock outfit from Southern California, were a touring act for seventeen years before calling it quits a few summers ago. The band was exhausted from the grind of touring and never really breaking through to anything resembling financial success. But after almost two years away from their dedicated fan-base, the group decided to reunite on a tour celebrating the album they made at the onset of the invasion of Iraq, an album that changed them from a fun-loving ska band to a voice of protest that captured the anger and uncertainty of a country heading to war.

The show was played at the Baltimore Soundstage, a a dance hall about half the size of the Black Cat.

The Bandits played “The Resignation” in its entirety. The crowd pulsed with excitement and an enthusiastic pit broke out in front of the stage. Not quite a sellout, there was a clear divide of those simply in attendance and those RXB fans who have waited years for the band to take the stage again (full disclosure – I am a huge fan).

The Bandits have always been known for their high-energy show that features multiple time changes and plenty of strong jam sessions – jumping between reggae inspired transitions and all-out metal guitar shredding.

After about forty minutes in the pit I stepped back to catch my breath and observe those enjoying the show. Though still a youngster by many definitions, I was no longer able to hang in the pit for the entire two-hour set. Looking at those eager to sing along to every word while on the verge of passing out from heat exhaustion (including my brother who I thought was a goner several times), I saw something that reminded me of why I came to love the Bandits so strongly years ago.

The band’s message often points to a community of those in “the know.”

The noble few who dare question the status quo and examine what is that is motivating our behavior.

“Overcome,” the anti-war track from “The Resignation” was my first experience in finding music that asked me to stand in opposition to the government. I identified with the simple message:

“We’ve had enough of these politicians’ wars, what we need right now is love… I’m not buying, no I’m not giving in to a culture that objectifies all of our women. I’m not buying, no I’m not consuming to the apathetic dribble on the news media’s chin.”

Rx Bandits – Overcome

Contrary to the wishes of their fans and well-wishers, the Bandits may never make it to the top of the mainstream charts. Their sound is too progressive for radio and their message asks audiences to think deeper than your average rock outfit. However, the rock scene is better when musicians like the gentlemen in RXB are playing live music that inspires.

Looking at the young crowd, I recognized the passion of those eager to dance in opposition. Those who may not entirely be dismayed by the political process or better yet, those who can’t wait to get their hands involved in the process to change things up.

Following the full album performance, the Bandits launched into a second set that touched on other parts of their catalogue. They are touring with a full horn section so old favorites off of “Progress” brought a welcome change of pace.

After almost two hours of live music the band wrapped their set with the song “Only for the Night” – a punchy ballad about a former lover who you simply cannot shake, someone who you return to even though you know it will not be for the best.

Knowing the set was coming to a close I rejoined the pit, doing my best to mimic lead singer Matt Embree one last time.

The song ends with the lyrics:

“Lately I’ve been lonely, I couldn’t tell you why. She lives without emotion, it makes me better. Only for the night.”

The night in Baltimore to see RxB most certainly made me better. Here’s hoping for many more.

The post Rx Bandits at Baltimore Soundstage appeared first on ClotureClub.com.