Photo by Chris Capaci

Jam quartet Aqueous performed a special Halloween show at New York’s Knitting Factory on Wednesday night, playing into a “Nicktoons” theme by covering songs from classic ’90s cartoons like Doug, Catdog, Rocko’s Modern Life, Rugrats, Ren &  Stimpy, Hey Arnold and Rocket Power.

After Chicago-based improvisers Mungion opened the show (all dressed as professional wrestlers), Aqueous kicked things off with “Killer Tofu” by the fictitious band The Beets from Doug. It was a fitting way to start the performance, as guitarist Mike Gantzer was dressed at the titular character’s alter-ego Quailman. The rest of Aqueous’ costumes all came to light as the show went on.

An exploration of the band’s Color Wheel track “Split The Difference” ended the first half, sandwiching segues into the theme to Rocko’s Modern Life (to match bassist Evan McPhaden’s Rocko costume) and the Mark Mothersbaugh-penned theme to Rugrats (to match guitarist/keyboardist Dave Loss’ Chuckie Finster costume).

Aqueous began set two with “Aledehyde” off their 2012 LP Willy is 40, and nodded to drummer Rob Houk’s Ren costume by playing the theme to the chaotic Nicktoon Ren & Stimpy. After a brief pause, the band moved through their own “Good Enough” as well as Ween’s “Ocean Man” and originals “Origami” and “What’s the Connection,” before jamming into the jazzy Hey Arnold! theme, during which members of Mungion traded instruments with members of Aqueous.

After reclaiming the stage, Aqueous transitioned back into “What’s the Connection?” and made a quick instrumental pass at the Doug theme before closing with Color Wheel‘s “Weight of the World.” They encored with the Rocket Power theme. 

For a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit Aqueous’ official website.

Check out the band’s recap video as well as their full setlist below:

Aqueous 
October 31, 2018
The Knitting Factory, New York City