Starting as a parody of the booming third-wave ska scene in Southern California (their first show, reportedly, was played with fourteen members, at least half of which were wielding horns), The Aquabats played third-wave ska with surf guitar sounds and b-movie inspired lyrics. Over time, their sound became even more eclectic, dropping much of the surf guitar leads and ska rhythms for more varied influences.
Their current sound blends upbeat rock and roll, new wave, punk, and ska/rocksteady with synth largely replacing their horn and woodwind section. Notable influences upon The Aquabats are Devo, Oingo Boingo, Madness, and Toy Dolls.
The Aquabats’ current lineup is The MC Bat Commander (vocals), Ricky Fitness (drums), Crash McLarson (bass), Eagle "Bones" Falconhawk (guitar) & Jimmy the Robot (keyboards/tenor sax). Former members like Chainsaw, The Prince of Karate; Prince Adam; and Catboy have been known to come back into the fold for the occasional show.
The Aquabats's most recent album is Kooky Spooky... In Stereo!, released on August 21, 2020. via Gloopy Records.
Phantasma Del Mar!
The Aquabats Lyrics
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"Phantasma Del Mar" by The Aquabats is a song that tells the story of a sailor who is lost in the sea and finds himself in a strange and mysterious place called Phantasma Del Mar. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery that paints a picture of a strange and haunting world, where ships and sailors are trapped forever. The ghostly tune and the haunting melody add to the eerie atmosphere of the song, making it one of The Aquabats's most haunting tracks.
The central theme of the song seems to be about the dangers of the sea, and how it can be both unpredictable and merciless. The lyrics warn of a world that is unforgiving and filled with dark secrets. The sailor, who is the singer of the song, is struggling to navigate this treacherous world and escape the clutches of the Phantasma Del Mar. The lyrics suggest that the sailor might never find his way back home, as he is trapped in a never-ending cycle of fear and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
just whistle along
Enjoy the music and sing along with it
Just like a first mate rising from the depths
Something arises from the deep water, like a first mate of a ship
Phantom of the waves, phantom of the ocean
A ghostly entity that is connected to the waves and the ocean
One salty tale that weaves a salty potion
A story that mixes saltwater and magic
A swirling magic spell cast by the ship's commotion
The movement of the ship creates a magical vortex
Just like a monster rising from the tide
Something rises from the sea, like a monster
Ghost of a sailor still lost inside
The spirit of a sailor who has not found peace
His ghost still haunts as the ship goes by
The sailor's ghost remains on the ship as it passes by
It sails the sea and it sails the sky
The ship sails across both the ocean and the sky
Phantasma Del Mar
The ghostly entity that inhabits the sea
Contributed by Allison W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.