It’s probably safe to say the RX Bandits have done it all in their nearly 15 years existence, what with their ever-evolving styles on record and acclaimed performances live. In their latest endeavor, the Southern California quartet will look to cap off what it described as a “decade-long musical transformation” with the release of an 11-track effort, titled Mandala.
Now, if you’re up on your Buddhism and Hinduism, you’ll know that a Mandala is a circular symbol referring to the universe — and because the RX Bandits have played, seen, and done it all throughout their existence, they note the tile is “perfectly befitting” for befitting for their latest album.
Consequently, when it comes to the composition on Mandala, expect a rather extensive showcase of the band’s many sounds — well, except for the use of horns which have been scaled back in favor of balance and powerful dynamics. Note, for example, the track entitled “My Lonesome Only Friend”, which is said to feature a “a molten John MacLaughlin-meets-Kirk Hammett guitar solo.” Yeah, it’s basically got everything.
What also isn’t all too shocking is that the band will look to further live up the meaning of Mandalas everywhere by touring the universe… or at least every spot in North America. The fun, which will see the Bandits co-headlining a venue near you with Dredg, officially kicks off today and lasts, basically non-stop, until the end of August.
Mandala hits stores on July 28th via Sargent House.
RX Bandits 2009 Tour Dates:
07/08 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues *^
07/09 San Diego, CA @ SOMA *^
07/10 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee *^
07/11 Tuscon, AZ @ Club Congress *^
07/12 Tuscon, AZ @ Club Congress *^
07/14 Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater *^
07/15 Austin, TX @ Emo’s *^
07/16 San Antonio, TX @ The White Rabbit *^
07/17 Houston, TX @ Meridian *#
07/18 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues *#
07/20 Orlando, FL @ Club Firestone *#
07/22 Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room *#
07/23 Jacksonville, FL @ Freebird Live *#
07/24 St Petersburgh, FL @ Jannus Landing *#
07/25 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade *#
07/26 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle *#
07/28 Towson, MD @ Recher Theater *#
07/29 Philadelphia, PA @ Theater of Living Arts *#
07/30 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza *
07/31 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom *#
08/01 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club *&
08/02 Montreal, QC @ Foufounes Electriques *&
08/04 Toronto, ON @ Opera House *&
08/05 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall *
08/06 Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge *
08/07 Sauqet, IL @ Pop’s *
08/08 Des Moines, IA @ People’s Court *
08/09 Saint Paul, MN @ Station 4 *
08/11 Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater *&
08/12 Murray, UT @ Murray Theater *&
08/14 Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s *&
08/15 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom *&
08/17 Sacramento, CA @ Empire Events Center *&
08/26 San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore *&
08/29 Santa Barbara, CA @ Velvet Jones *&
08/30 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theater *&
08/31 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theater *&
* = w/ Dredg
^ = w/ Good Old War
# = w/ Zechs Marquis
& = w/ As Tall As Lions