The Aquabats

The Aquabats

The Aquabats • The Aggrolites • July 31, 2024 • The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang

The rash guard-clad Aquabats returned to Salt Lake City on their newest tour celebrating the band’s 30th anniversary of fighting crime. Over the decades, The Aquabats have become some of Ska Rock’s biggest icons, known for their distinctive skin-tight rash guards, board shorts, and penchant for slaying inflatable monsters. The heroes in blue have not only made their mark on the music scene during their tenure, but have also featured in shows like Yo Gabba Gabba, and at one point even hosted their own family-friendly program for a short stint.

Photo Credit: Logan Fang

After a lengthy touring hiatus, The Aquabats are back on the road promoting their latest album Finally! joined by Left Alone and The Agrolites. Last Tuesday, fans of all ages flocked to The Complex in their signature Aquabat attire for a chance to hear the bands perform. The night was a testament to The Aquabats’ enduring appeal across generations and their never-faltering superhero-turned-ska-punk charm. 

The Aggrolites

Photo Credit: Logan Fang

The first act I was able to catch was The Aggrolites. Emerging in the early 2000s, The Aggrolites are known for their unique “Dirty Reggae” sound, a fusion of classical reggae with ska-punk and soul sensibilities. From the moment the band of five stepped onto stage, they exuded a contagious energy that matched the upbeat feel of their songs. Opening tracks like “Pop the Trunk” and “Funky Fire” featured the laid-back reggae you’d expect of Bob Marley with a raw edge of traditional punk. Some songs like “Time To Get Tough” seemed to veer more towards rock, while others like “Mr. Misery” were light-hearted sing-alongs that called for audience participation.

Early in their career, The Aggrolites appeared on Yo Gabba Gabba where they first performed the classic favorite “Banana.” The crowd (including myself) was enthused to see that the beloved song made its way into the set. Costumed stage crew and members of The Aquabats pranced out of the wings wearing banana suits to accompany The Aggrolites for the song. Appropriately, members then threw inflatable bananas into the crowd which bounced across the venue for the remainder of the set.

Shortly after the stage crew cleared out frontman Jesse Wagner took a moment to thank the crowd for their support throughout the years. He talked about how Salt Lake City was always one of their favorite destinations on tour. Wagner recalled how Utah had consistently brought the loudest and most enthusiastic crowds, and the audience that night was no exception.

To wrap up their set, The Aggrolites finished with one of their biggest tracks, “Dirty Reggae.” Fittingly, the song is a tribute to the band’s unique ska punk and reggae identity. At the end of their performance, some of their front-row fans got a chance to score some tour merch as band members handed copies of the setlist and drumsticks to the audience. The Aggrolites seemed to care a lot about their fans and maintaining a lightheartedness on stage. It’s no surprise that their performance was well-received by both the families and rock enthusiasts in attendance. 

The Aquabats

Following a short wait, The Aquabats trotted onto the stage, proudly forming the band’s iconic bat symbol over each of their heads. Their set kicked off with fan favorites like “Cat with Two Heads!” and “My Skateboard!” from their 1997 album. The performance was about as chaotic as you might expect from a band dressed head to toe in spandex apparel.

Photo Credit: Logan Fang

Each member of the ska rock ensemble was decked out in superhero regalia, sporting hefty belts across their waist emblazoned with the Aquabats logo. Frontman and lead singer Christian Jacobs, better known by his hero alias The MC Bat Commander, led the performance. Accompanied by solos from other band members like Ricky Fitness and Eaglebones Falconhawk. On each side of the stage, LED screens played a bizarre array of visuals, featuring everything from clips of Shrek to graphics of Cabbage Patch dolls. These eclectic elements combined with the band’s over-the-top showmanship made the live listening experience all the more surreal.

The crowd seemed to be swept away by the performance too as The Aquabats threw inflatable sharks and floaties into the audience. The show felt like an immersive comic book turned dance-party adventure, complete with impromptu skirmishes and goofy antics that had families cheering along.

The Aquabats moved through some of their bigger hits like “Pizza Day!” and “Red Sweater!” while young fans got their first taste of the concert experience crowd surfing on blowup inflatables. Midway through the set, the band instructed audience members to make a circle by raising their arms overhead in a ritual they perform each show called “The Circle of Love.” Fans young and old all formed the circle in a wholesome tribute to The Aquabats’ song “Lovers Loving Love.”

Photo Credit: Logan Fang

After all these years, The Aquabats haven’t lost their undeniable charisma. Even though their performance may be as hokey as it is semi-coherent at times, The Aquabats have found a way to make their show a welcoming one for everybody, including the most hardcore of rock fans. I look forward to seeing how The Aquabats continue to grow their ever-loyal fanbase.

Danny Lux

Danny Lux • Dariell Cano • June 15, 2024 • The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang

Danny Lux made his first trip to The Complex last Friday on the latest stop of his international tour, Tour of Lux. The Chicano artist celebrates the release of his fifth studio album EVOLUXION, joined by fellow Latin artist Dariell Cano. That night, The Complex housed a sizable audience made up mostly of Latine and Spanish-speaking fans dressed in Danny’s signature tour merch. Before the show began, eager fans searched for glimpses of performers in the wings and then cheered to beckon them on stage. The excitement in the crowd was palpable.

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Madison Beer

Madison Beer • UPSAHL • June 4, 2024 • The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Mike Ferguson

Tuesday, June 4th, marked a night to remember at The Complex in SLC, UT, as music enthusiasts gathered in anticipation of a double-bill concert featuring the talented Madison Beer and the dynamic Upsahl. The venue was abuzz with excitement, with eager fans filling every inch of available space, signaling a near sell-out show.

Upsahl

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

Opening the evening was Upsahl, a rising star whose magnetic presence and infectious energy immediately captured the attention of the audience. With a setlist that seamlessly blended catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and pulsating rhythms, Upsahl commanded the stage with confidence and flair.

From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, Upsahl exuded a raw and unbridled passion for her craft, channeling her emotions into each note and lyric. Tracks like “Drugs” and “People I Don’t Like” showcased her knack for crafting anthemic pop-rock tunes with a rebellious edge, while introspective ballads like “Fine” allowed her to showcase the depth and vulnerability of her songwriting.

But perhaps the most captivating aspect of Upsahl’s performance was her infectious charisma and magnetic stage presence. Whether she was dancing with abandon, engaging in playful banter with the crowd, or delivering powerhouse vocals that reverberated through the venue, Upsahl held the audience in the palm of her hand, leaving them hungry for more.

As her set drew to a close, the cheers and applause that erupted from the crowd served as a testament to Upsahl’s undeniable talent and star power. For 45 electrifying minutes, she had set the stage on fire, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to her captivating performance.

As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached a fever pitch, it was clear that the stage had been set for an unforgettable night of music. And with Madison Beer poised to take the stage, the energy in the room was palpable, signaling that the best was yet to come.

Madison Beer

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

From the instant she emerged, clad in an ensemble that radiated both style and sophistication, it was evident that the audience was in for a treat. With a setlist spanning her repertoire of hits and fan favorites, Madison’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

For nearly 90 minutes, Madison held the audience in the palm of her hand, effortlessly transitioning between heart-wrenching ballads and high-energy anthems. Her powerhouse vocals soared through the venue, sending shivers down the spines of all who were fortunate enough to bear witness. Each song was accompanied by mesmerizing visuals and choreography, further enhancing the immersive experience for concert attendees.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Madison’s performance was her undeniable connection with her fans. As she interacted with the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes and words of encouragement, it was clear that she genuinely valued the support of her dedicated fanbase. This sincerity only served to deepen the emotional resonance of her music, forging an unbreakable bond between artist and audience.

By the time Madison took her final bow, the energy in the room was electric, reverberating with the echoes of a truly unforgettable performance. As concertgoers spilled out into the night, their hearts full and spirits lifted, it was evident that they had borne witness to something truly special. Madison Beer and Upsahl had not only delivered a concert, but an experience—one that would linger in the memories of all who were lucky enough to be a part of it.

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

YUNGBLUD

YUNGBLUD•Jean Dawson•Sophie Powers•August 3, 2023• The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Max Taylor

On August 3rd, 2023, the Doncaster, England legend, Dominic Richard Harrison – more famously known as YUNGBLUD – performed at The Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. This show has been long anticipated by Utah YUNGBLUD fans. Considering the last time he made an appearance here was his sold-out show at The Complex in 2019(certainly not without trying though). The cancellation of shows in 2020, a giant snowstorm that got them stuck between Denver and Salt Lake in 2022, and other scheduling conflicts only added to the excitement, buzz, and anticipation to see the young rockstar return to the Beehive State. 

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Tai Verdes

Tai Verdes w/ renforshort• May 14, 2022• The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

With his first visit to Salt Lake City, Tai Verdes played a sold-out show at The Complex on his HDTV Tour. There was a packed venue well before the opening artist took the stage. I was very impressed with the turnout for this show. Upon entering the room Tai would be playing in, I noticed a large number of people wearing merchandise from Tai that was not currently being sold at the show. It is always fun to see a strong fanbase. Although there was a large number of people wearing merchandise not bought at the show, I did notice a lot of people also wearing the tour merchandise. He had a hoodie that looked like clouds in the sky, which was a fan favorite for sure.

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The Warning

The Warning w/ Devora• April 24, 2022• The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Vanessa Holt

There is no doubt in my mind that the best way to start a week is with a concert. To top it all off is with a rock concert. That is exactly what I signed myself up for this last Sunday with The Warning headlining at The Complex. I hadn’t heard of either Devora or The Warning previously but I’m never opposed to hearing new artists. Especially if my first time hearing them would be live. 

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IDLES

IDLES• April 20, 2022• The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

On April 20th, IDLES visited The Complex for a show in between Coachella sets and rocked the house! Upon arrival, I noticed the crowd was very chill compared to other events. They seemed to be there just for a good time. Not a lot of hurry to get to the front of the crowd or save spots. Although it was a big room, The Complex began to fill up very quickly.

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The Story So Far

The Story So Far w/ Joyce Manor, Mom Jeans & Microwave• April 11, 2022• The Union

Photographed by Jacob Moniz and Reviewed by Jacob Moniz & Carter Sears

With this show being my first time covering a show at The Union Event Center I was heavily anticipating going to this show. On April 11th The Story So Far kicked off their full US tour for spring 2022. TSSF has been one of my favorite bands of all time and this was my first time being able to see them live due to COVID and previous issues with being able to get to their shows. So to say I was excited was an understatement. Not to mention how stacked the lineup was! It was just a perfect night for pop-punk listeners. Unfortunately, the weather got worse as the night started. So I, unfortunately, missed the first 3 songs from Microwave.

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Tate McRae

Tate McRae• April 16, 2022• The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

Photo Credit: Tomo Crestani

After months of touring, Tate McRae finished off her North America Tour in Salt Lake City. She visited The Complex in the Grand room. I arrived about 30 minutes before doors were supposed to open. The line was already very long. Although it was mostly females waiting for the show, I did spot a surprising amount of male attendees waiting in the rain. It was very impressive to see so many devoted fans waiting in the poor weather for so long.

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