The Sound of Animals Fighting
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Rich Balling |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, video albums |
The Sound of Animals Fighting is a rock supergroup from the United States, established by Rich Balling of Rx Bandits. Between 2004 and 2008, the group released three albums forming a trilogy and gave only four live performances following their 2006 album. Their live ensemble consisted of 12 musicians, frequently hidden behind animal masks. After a period of inactivity after 2009, the band briefly toured in 2014 and 2019 before announcing a new EP and a nationwide U.S. tour in 2022.
Origins and initial albums (2004–2006)
From August 24 to 27, 2006, the band played a short series of concerts in Southern California and Las Vegas. Supporting acts featured Matt Embree (Rx Bandits), Anthony Green (Circa Survive), Craig Owens (Chiodos), and Technology, the side project of Chris Tsagakis. The confirmed live lineup included Rx Bandits members Matt Embree, Steve Choi, Chris Tsagakis, and bassist Joe Troy. A DVD titled We Must Become The Change We Want To See was released to document these performances. During shows, visual artists Aaron Nagel and Norton Wisdom created live paintings.
The Ocean and the Sun era (2007–2010)
On October 15, 2007, Balling announced a forthcoming album on Epitaph Records. Vocal contributions included Matt Embree making his debut on "Blessings...," Anthony Green appearing on several tracks including the title track, with Balling singing on multiple others. Additional vocalists featured Matthew Kelly (The Autumns), Jessica Mcwhirter (The Lings), Lauren Coleman, and Charlene Rogers; Mark Bush contributed trumpet parts on "Cellophane."
A limited preorder bundle was offered containing 400 masks—100 each of four different designs—paired with a 7" vinyl record.
On July 8, 2009, official videos for "I, the Swan" and "Another Leather Lung" were released. Later that year, on December 29, Matt Embree joined Anthony Green at the Roxy to perform combined renditions of "Skullflower" and "Stockhausen, Es Ist Ihr Gehirn, Das Ich Suche." In January 2010, Embree and drummer Chris Tsagakis performed shortened versions of songs under the name "Biceratops" at Alex's Bar in Long Beach, California.
Hiatus period, reunion shows, and Apeshit release (2011–present)
On November 12, 2013, the band announced seven concerts scheduled for March 2014.
In December 2018, they disclosed plans for eight performances between February and March 2019—their first activity since the 2014 tour.
In October 2022, news emerged about thirteen shows planned for January 2023.
On December 8, 2022, TSOAF released Apeshit, a four-track EP via Born Losers Records—their first new studio work in fourteen years. In October 2023, they issued Live In Philadelphia, a live album available on VHS and vinyl capturing their performance at Franklin Music Hall during the 2023 tour.
On April 21, 2025, TSOAF launched a messenger channel inviting fans to participate in organizing future tours.
On July 21, 2025, they announced a new ten-track album titled The Maiden, distributed through Born Losers Records on Bandcamp.
Live lineup
In their 2006 live shows, the band featured twelve musicians—most of whom contributed to studio recordings—including all members of Rich Balling's previous band RX Bandits.
2006 Live Lineup
- Anthony Green – vocals
- Rich Balling – vocals
- Craig Owens – vocals
- Keith Goodwin – vocals, guitar
- Matthew Kelly – vocals, guitar
- Matt Embree – guitar, vocals
- Steve Choi – guitar, keyboard
- Joe Troy – bass
- Chris Tsagakis – drums
- Chris Sheets – percussion
- Nathan Hand – percussion, sampling
- Bradley Bell – keyboard
Samples provided by Ryan Baker via laptop included female vocal parts and additional instruments such as turntables and horns that Rich Balling recorded but did not perform live.
By 2014, the lineup was reduced to seven members—the "core four and guests," according to Balling.
2014 Live Lineup
- Anthony Green – vocals
- Rich Balling – vocals
- Matthew Kelly – vocals, guitar
- Matt Embree – guitar, vocals
- Steve Choi – guitar, keyboard
- Chris Tsagakis – drums
- Jonathan Hischke – bass
For the tours in 2019 and 2023, the lineup expanded slightly:
2019 and 2023 Live Lineup
- Anthony Green – vocals
- Rich Balling – vocals, keyboard
- Matthew Kelly – vocals, guitar
- Matt Embree – guitar, vocals
- Steve Choi – guitar, keyboard
- Chris Tsagakis – drums
- Jonathan Hischke – bass
- Keith Goodwin (Good Old War) – vocals
Studio albums
- Tiger and the Duke (2005)
- Lover, the Lord Has Left Us... (2006)
- The Ocean and the Sun (2008)
- The Maiden (2025)
EPs
- Apeshit (2022)
Video albums
- We Must Become the Change We Want to See (2007)
- Live In Philadelphia (2023)