Citizen Fish - Dancing on Spikes EP

In a country beset by economic woes, a Tory government and a strange, reactionary backlash by many young people that has led to these people being in power, a release from the Citizen Fish/Subhumans camp is especially timely. Dick Lucas has always been adept at writing in depth lyrics relating to social and political problems without making every song sound like a political tract, and the new Citizen Fish EP 'Dancing on Spikes' is a biting look at the current situation in Britain, set to a shout a long ska punk soundtrack that should have anyone' feet moving straight for the nearest dancefloor/pit. Like last years full length album 'Goods', the music on here is slightly slowed down in comparison to the bands output during the 90s and early 2000s, but its none the less foot stompingly catchy for it. Songs such as 'Unemplode', aimed at Job seeker's office and their unrealistic expectations for people to find work in this climate, or otherwise work for much lower than the amount needed to live, or 'Over', questioning the finality of the assumption that we have pulled out and 'finished' with certain middle eastern conflicts, are made more comprehensible by a slower pace, and are still catchy as fuck. The one faster song on the record, 'Write It All Down' is clearly going to be fun when your down the front with a cider in hand, but to be quite honest all six tracks are! The West Country's finest come through again.
5/5
Jono

Revenge of the Psychotronic Man - Shattered Dreams Parkway

Clasped in my grubby little paws is the latest release from Manchester's Revenge of the Psychotronic Man. The blokes behind TNS Records and all round cool folk. This album is for anyone who likes their music fast and loud. When I say fast, I mean it. Like...15 songs in under 20 minutes fast. I hope they realise how much more difficult it is reviewing summat that's over so quickly!

This is the follow-up to Make Pigs Smoke, which got rave reviews from (I'm sure) pretty much everyone who heard it. This one will certainly achieve the same, if not better reviews! The album touches on all sorts, from media hypocrisy, prejudice and discrimination, right through to songs about Clint Eastwood. Seriously. You won't get this from any other band out there.

It's not for people who like music to take its time. It's almost like it's giving your whole head a massive punch, but in a good way. If this punch to your face and ears makes you question what's happening around you it's got to be embraced and acted upon. The way I see it, if music is loud and fast, it's like a mental kick up the arse to make people get away from their TV screens take more action. It's more of what's needed!

It's hard to pick highlights because I love different tracks on this album for different reasons! The ones that jumped out at me were Ready, Steady, Bastard, An Aggressive Lecture, Beer for Breakfast (for obvious reasons-although "not everyday or you'll die") and Look at Me, I'm a Fucking Tiger (even if it's just for the title alone). Is This Cool lulls you into a false sense of security because...you think it's a slow song...but then...AAAARGH it's as fast as all the other ones! Fuck the Sea sounds like it could be on Make Pigs Smoke, which the other tracks on this album don't. 15 Million Merits is also a stand out track about Big Brother culture of society.

I've listened to this album repeatedly while putting this review together. Like I said earlier, the tracks don't really sound like they belong on the earlier album but they're definite progression from it. I'm really looking forward to seeing these tracks performed live. It's fast as fuck and they're playing in a way that a lot of other bands seem afraid to do these days. Each time I listen to it, it makes me want to drink as fast as possible and break things. Which can only be a good thing. 

Am I right? I think so. 

5/5