Mon, Aug 17, RX Bandits

What began as a third-wave ska band from SoCal during the ’90s became RX Bandits, a band that has evolved into something more experimental, harder, less brass-integrated and more rock influenced, especially on their latest release, Mandala. But old-school fans shouldn’t fret: The band still has the musical chops to combine bunching beats, political I’m-calling-you-out lyrics, and guitar, sax and trombone orchestrations. Their shows in the past have packed the Boardwalk with sweaty, out-of-control dancing megafans who cry out for at least two encores. This time around—thankfully—both fans and band can have some room to breathe at Empire. 1417 R Street, www.myspace.com/rxbandits.