The Aquabats! Feature by John M Ellison IV

The Aquabats! Feature by John M Ellison IV

In continuing with my theme of ska-punk/third wave ska punk revival theme, it’s obvious that I’d have to do something on the Aquabats. The Aquabats is a campy ska-punk band that consists of members
MC Bat Commander on Vocals, Ricky Fitness – Drums, Crash McLarson – Bass, Jimmy The Robot on Keyboards/Saxophone, Eagle “Bones” Falconhawk on Guitar. What’s interesting about them is that they claim to be superheroes on a quest to save the world from evil through music. The band’s overall look of matching costumes reminds me of golden age superheroes and has onstage “battles” with costumed foes. Honestly, the concept kind of reminds me of GWAR…okay maybe it’s just me.

Honestly, since the change from a horn section to synthesizers the newer material is more reminiscent of 80’s new wave, ska and pop-punk. The best way to describe it is to imagine NOFX opening for Devo and Reel Big Fish. Well, enough of the clunky analogies and on to the music.

“Radio Down!”

This is a ska song with a futuristic feel that lyrically describes the band bringing the music back to the people by taking back the airwaves and also incorporates a sly interpolation to the Billy Idol/Generation X classic “Dancing with Myself.” The song also features a quick rap from Biz Markee that compliments the song well.

“Fashion Zombie”

A playful taking the piss out of the “Hot Topic goth/emo” fashion. Honestly, I don’t claim goth but I did happen to wear a lot of black and really enjoy some Cruxshadows, the Cure, Joy Division, Ministry, NIN a lot when I was younger…still do actually. Go figure.

“Look at Me I’m a Winner”

It’s kind of self-explanatory, it’s a very upbeat and positive song that tells the listener that they’re a winner that can overcome adversity…and this is getting redundant.

In closing, the Aquabats cartoonish antics with their new wave/ska leanings are entertaining and very kid-like. In fact, Christian Jacob (aka MC Bat Commander) is the co-creator of the successful Nick Jr. show “Yo Gabba Gabba.”

Also, be on the lookout for The Aquabats new EP “Radio Down!” due out in November 2011.

Los Kung Fu Monkeys feature by John M Ellison IV

Los Kung Fu Monkeys feature by John M Ellison IV

Earlier this weekend, I was looking around online for covers of the Cure classic “Boys Don’t Cry” on Youtube and I found a version by a band named Los Kung Fu Monkeys. What can I say? The name caught my attention. So, I clicked on the link and It seems that a ska-punk version of the lovelorn sensitive guy anthem and I’m thinking “okay, I’ve heard Reel Big Fish (Ska-Punk band out of Huntington Beach) version, what could make this any different?“ Well, a lot actually. But, I’ll get more into that later on.

After learning more about the band off of their myspace page, it seems that Los Kung Fu Monkeys are a ska-punk band out of Tijuana, Mexico that formed in ‘97. The lyrics are mainly written in English but also Spanish. The band now consists of members Bernie (vocals), Hassan (bass), Tarek (guitar), Jesse (guitar/vocals) Edgar “Chief” (tenor sax), Nicasio (Trombone), Hecky(Drums) and features guest musicians on instruments such as trumpet, violin, keyboards, violin and accordion. Now enough with the formalities, let’s get poppin’ with the music.

Lobo Hombre En Paris

Since the lyrics are in Spanish and even though I understand a little bit of Spanish, I don’t understand all of the lyrics of this song. But, like they say, music’s a universal language. What really won me over is the saxophone part.

Screaming at a Wall

“Screaming at a Wall” was originally done by D.C. hardcore band, Minor Threat. In comparison to the original, this one is a little tighter instrumentally. Fairly faithful to the original, if anything it’s kind of a refreshed version of a hardcore classic.

Boys Don’t Cry

Honestly, when I first heard this version of the Cure classic, I thought the lead singer sounded like a cross between Cheech Marin and Pee-Wee Herman. But, that’s not a bad thing, though. This version was interesting enough to catch my attention and listen to more from the band.
In closing, if you’re looking for the sound of wild horn, freewheeling and just plain out fun ska-punk, Los Kung-Fu Monkeys are definitely a band to check out.
original photo here