photo credit: weworemasks

Those damn bandits, I tell you. It’s a true testament to a band’s legacy when they’ve gone through various lineup changes, style changes and generational changes and still manage to put on a stellar live show. Whether it was on the Resignation tour in 2003, the assumed Farewell tour in 2011 or the Gemini: Her Majesty tour in 2014, the California quartet will send you home with about 90 minutes of musical excellence every time.

The band headlined Houston’s Warehouse Live to close out their summer tour, with openers From Indian Lakes and The Dear Hunter in tow. Hit the jump for the review.

-grizzly


photo credit: weworemasks

Last summer, RX Bandits celebrated their 10th anniversary of their pivotal album, The Resignation. This tour came only two years after a farewell tour only two years prior. And here we are, one year later and one RX Bandits album richer. Their newest LP, Gemini: Her Majesty, is an excellent offering. Gemini is their most streamlined, straight forward album to date, AND comes off the heels of a crowd-funded campaign (they doubled their goal, for the record). Naturally, they needed to rev up their creative juices and take the new album to the road.

The band hit the stage to the new album’s intro, and launched right into the lead single, “Stargazer.” Following that up with “In Her Drawer” really resonated, as the ongoing events in Ferguson, MO lingered; as did “Bring Our Children Home, Or Everything is Nothing,” which showed up later in the set. The band was as sharp as ever, who were precise, interactive and excited to be playing the last show of a two-month tour.

photo credit: weworemasks

Backed by a giant illumination from an LED “R” and “X,” the packed house at the Warehouse Live Studio was treated to a light show, which is rare for the venue. Each member of the band’s respective talents really shine, as they are all constantly getting better at what they do. RXB have the penchant to throw in jams and musical breaks into the live renditions of their songs, which is welcomed by all. Between C-Gak’s drumming finesse and singer Matt Embree’s soulful approach to fronting the band, there’s plenty to marvel at on stage at any given time.

RX Bandits lifers seem to be the most rewarded bunch from last night’s crowd. The varied setlist touched on their four previous albums (the days of Progress are long gone – not to mention, the band is only a four-piece now), bringing to light fan favorites like “Dinna Dawg” and an even more surprising “Apparition” from And the Battle Begun. The singalongs between the fans were electric and uplifting, bringing everyone together.

Houston’s stop was the final destination on this summer tour, so if you missed it, then tough break. Direct support came from The Dear Hunter, who managed to carry a headliner-caliber set, complete with a loud and proud fanbase. The band is currently on tour in support of 2013’s Migrant. To round things out, Triple Crown Records act From Indian Lakes did an excellent job of getting things started with their moody brand of indie rock.

[SETLIST]

Gemini: Her Majesty Intro
Stargazer
In Her Drawer
Wide Open
…And the Battle Begun
My Lonesome Only Friend
Dinna-Dawg
1995
Apparition
Bring Our Children Home, Or Everything is Nothing
Overcome (The Recapitulation)
-Jam-
Only For The Night
–
Ruby Cumulous
Decrescendo
Crushing Destroyer

RX Bandits’ newest LP, Gemini: Her Majesty, is in stores now.