Rams Head The Blog

Friday night is going to be one huge ska Battle Royal – the main event? Reel Big Fish vs. The Aquabats. On the undercard (maybe special guest referees if you will?) are Koo Koo Kanga Roo and Suburban Legends. Soooo….who’s the odds on favorite to win grand champion of one of the year’s biggest ska bills? Let’s meet the contestants….

REEL BIG FISH

Reel Big Fish were one of the legions of Southern California ska-punk bands to edge into the mainstream following the commercial success of No Doubt and Sublime. Like most of their peers, the band was distinguished by their hyperkinetic stage shows, juvenile humor, ironic covers of new wave pop songs, and metallic shards of ska. The group cultivated an underground following that broke into the mainstream in the summer of 1997, when their single “Sell Out” became a modern rock radio and MTV favorite.

Since then, they have continued to build their cult following and have become known for frantic live shows that leave audiences buzzed and buzzing.

THE AQUABATS

A zany eight-piece (at least) ska unit from the bleached-out California coast, the Aquabats have earned respect for an energized new wave of ska punk from figures ranging from Courtney Love to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Squirrel Nut Zippers. Led by vocalist Bat Commander, the group appears to impersonate a different horde of thugs from the ’60s Batman series on each LP cover . Calling themselves the first all-crime fighting all-surfing rock supergroup in history, the Aquabats travel the highways and by-ways of the land in their trusty super customized Winnebego tour vehicle!

Definitely a contender.

KOO KOO KANGA ROO

Koo Koo Kanga Roo is a live show unlike anything you have ever experienced. With the carefree simplicity of your kindergarten days, a Koo Koo Kanga Roo party is a dance extravaganza! The undeniable urge to move your body will lead you to the dance floor as you hear their catchy pop melodies and infectious dance beats.

SUBURBAN LEGENDS

And finally, in this corner. From the self-described ”cultural wasteland” of Orange County comes the superhero-like brilliance of Suburban Legends. Six recklessly handsome boys who have devoted their lives to creating a glorious variety pack of ska music, all for your enjoyment. They encourage you to put down your antidepressants and forget what’s waiting on TIVO and come enjoy a rocking good adrenaline rush-inspiring live set.

Who are you coming to see?