♥ Forever and Always. ♥ x - Happily Married and Happily Writing
♥ Forever and Always. ♥ x - Happily Married and Happily Writing
Member since:01.05.2005
Reviews:283
Members who trust:160
When this 'Progress' album was released in 2001, the type of music that RX Bandits produce was greatly popular and in order to try and capitalise on the success of the Ska Punk genre the band here released a more pop heavy album than they ever had done before or in fact have done since. Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish were always the leading names in the scene, RX Bandits failed to ever catapult to that sort of level of fame however but nonetheless had (and in fact still do have) a very loyal and dedicated fan base. 'Progress' was not a great commercial success, nor did it receive any real rave reviews from the leading names in the press, it is however an excellent album from the band and one that I personally have a great love of.
Fittingly beginning with an introduction track titled simply 'Intro', never does this 'Progress' album disappoint and always in fact it impresses hugely. There is some highly energetic music here, always these RX Bandits tracks are packed full of life and never do the band sound
at all unimpressive as they smash their way through this album. Tracks such as 'All The Time', title track 'Progress' and closing track 'Infection' explode into action and never disappoint. Always RX Bandits impress me with their closing tracks, and perhaps none more so than with 'Infection'. This is perhaps my favourite track that the band has ever recorded, every time I hear it I smile to myself as I take in the excellent vocals, fine drum beat, and super melody. Everything is perfect, nothing is out of place, and always there is such energy and enthusiasm present here. There's good reason why RX Bandits are one of my favourite bands, and tracks such as 'Infection' sum up perfectly why I have such a fond love for this band.
'All The Time' has one of my favourite choruses in an RX Bandits song. The lyrics aren't as effective as they can be with this band, but the melody of this track is excellent and humming along whilst listening is therefore a definite must. With it's soothing introduction and perfect progression, I do not have a bad word to say about this one. I love everything about the great track that is 'All The Time', I love it so much that I do in fact listen to it all the time. I do not have quite such a fondness for title track 'Progress' as I do for 'All The Time' and 'Infection', it is however an upbeat and energetic offering that I can't help but mention in further detail here. The track progresses well, comes complete with some brilliant guitar work and in my opinion sounds absolutely excellent.
As well as the more upbeat and energetic offerings that this album contains, there are also a number of slower paced but equally vital and excellent tracks included on this album. 'In All Rwanda's Glory' is the ultimate example of a more reggae influenced sound from the band, pulled off with great expertise by RX Bandits and always entertaining with it's lyrical content which tackles the issues of war and race. The lyrics are brilliant, they really mean something to listen to and it is obvious that a lot of time and effort went into the construction of this track lyrically. As well as being blessed in the lyrics department it is also an excellent song, a chilled out and greatly laid back number which is extremely pleasing to listen to.
RX Bandits always have something interesting to say with their lyrics, it is this I feel that makes the band stand out from the crowd. Most bands producing ska influenced music tend not to have particularly interesting lyrics, but when listening to the albums of RX Bandits great insight can always be gained from listening carefully to exactly what it is that the band has to say. It is easy to let the lyrics wash over you due to the catchy and hugely upbeat nature of the music, but not to take the lyrics in would be to miss out on half the impact of the music. The music alone that RX Bandits produce is plenty enough to keep you entertained, but the lyrics that the songs behold allow for a whole other level of listening satisfaction and ultimate enjoyment.
The music of RX Bandits is extremely effective, never has the band released a bad album yet and every time that RX Bandits come forth with a new release I am always hugely excited. Some bands seem to become progressively worse with every album, each time a new release emerges the band has less to say and fewer ideas to work with; this is not the case with RX Bandits, every time they come back with a new album you know that it is going to be of an exceptional standard. Not once have RX Bandits ever let me down as a band, I own all of their studio albums and wouldn't have it any other way. Make sure you give 'Progress' a listen, you'll surely not be disappointed with what you hear from the excellent band that is RX Bandits.
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Was dragged along by a mate to an Rx Bandits gig a couple of years ago, and I can vouch for the voracity of the fanbase. Personally, was more impressed by their ability to squeeze their line-up of thousands onto a postage stamp of a stage than by their actual music, but they were very very nice blokes, that's for sure.
just.bcoz 30.03.2008 01:20
Great review, Ive never heard of them before, I dont think they are a ban i would enjoy lostening to though as im not too keen on Metal/Punk music :O)X
Advantages: Brilliant use of guitars, excellent vocals, and hugely powerful drum beats. Disadvantages: This hour of music just doesn't seem to last long enough.
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