There is a long history of bands integrating sci-fi theatrics into their music and stage shows, from Pink Floyd to Devo. However, few bands do it with as much obvious excitement as The Aquabats, a band of superheroic proportions with a mission to battle evil through their music. If you ever accidentally wander into a venue where they’re playing, you’ll know ittheir brightly-colored spandex costumes are hard to miss.Consistent with the band’s image, they have their own origin story. The members originally hail from the island of Aquabania, where they lived in concert with humanoid bat monsters. This utopian existence was ended when Space Monster “M” attacked. Escaping from the island, they were rejuvenated by a mad scientist’s potent potions, gained superpowers, and devoted themselves to one day amassing enough fans to return to their home and defeat Space Monster “M.”Musically, the band started in the ska-punk range (on 1996′s The Return of the Aquabats) but grew to incorporate more sci-fi elements like synthpop and new-wave (on 2005′s Charge!!). After being dropped from their label Nitro Records in 2009, the band will be releasing their next album independently this November.