Crash McLarson, the Aquabats

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The Aquabats

with Koo Koo Kanga Roo, The Action Design, and Victims of Circumstance

May 7, 2010
The Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Review and Photos by Ashleigh Ahern

The Aquabats are known for their stage costumes and fictitious superhero status. So when I arrived at the Culture Room and saw fans clad in their bright blue spandex suits, I knew it could only mean one thing: The Aquabats were back in town, ready to fight evil and defend the ska/punk population of South Florida. Assisting the band as trusty sidekicks were The Action Design, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, and Victims of Circumstance.

As soon as the doors opened, my friends and I ran towards the stage and claimed our spots. Ready for the action to begin, Florida’s own Victims of Circumstance took the stage. One song in, and the crowd was already going ‘round in a circle pit of skanking. The band surprised me. Normally, local bands opening for larger acts don’t catch my attention, but with their playful and catchy instrumentals, these guys were perfect to get a crowd going for the headliners.

Bryan, Koo Koo Kangaroo

In between sets, not much is usually expected, but when a banner and lighting system is set up on stage, it becomes obvious that this will be no typical performance. Finally, two skinny white boys dressed in black with gold sneakers came out holding microphones: Koo Koo Kanga Roo! From the minute they opened their mouths, I couldn’t stop laughing or saying, “What is this?” It was definitely not the typical performance. Their lyrics were pretty much that of a toddler, rapping about the ABCs, food fights, and “peanut butter with no crusts!” Despite their childish ways, the crowd embraced them as they started a dance party in the Culture Room.

As screams for The Aquabats erupted, the guys took the stage. Dressed in costume, or should I say uniform, the Aquabats were ready to fight evil, one song at a time.

Emily Whitehurst, the Action Design

Taking the stage next was The Action Design. Guys in the crowd seemed to perk up as a pretty lady in a short skirt, Emily Whitehurst, took the microphone. More of the indie-pop genre, The Action Design did not fit well with the other bands, but they were able to make it work. The crowd, or at least the guys and myself, were moving and jumping along with the music. They were a cute band, definitely one I’d recommend, but not one that should be on this high-energy tour.

Finally, the band that everyone had been waiting for was about to come on. The floor quickly became crowded with fans, sporting either the Aquabats logo, a swimsuit, or a drawn-on MC Bat Commander mustache. To push the water theme ever further, a chicken fight somehow began at the back of the crowd.

MC Bat Commander, the Aquabats

As screams for The Aquabats erupted, the guys took the stage. Dressed in costume, or should I say uniform, the Aquabats were ready to fight evil, one song at a time. I never realized how devoted the fans of the Aquabats were. Within moments, I was smashed against the stage, more than I had been at other shows. Lead singer MC Bat Commander took an unexpected dive on top of me, and to just my luck, nearly broke my wrist. The crowd was wild, everyone pushing, elbows flying, skanking all around. I have no idea how the seven-year-old next to me was able to stick it out.

When a large box wrapped as a present was brought onto the stage, it was no surprise when the boys of Koo Koo Kanga Roo popped out holding large lobster claws. Of course, the Aquabats and them engaged in an epic battle, fans cheering them on. And of course, The Aquabats won the fight. As fans sang along, the seven-year-old and his family were pulled to dance on stage. The defenders known as The Aquabats delivered a performance that soon wouldn’t be forgotten by anyone.

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