"Life Size" Citizen Fish (Honest Don's) review by Ruth

Citizen Fish - Life Size (Honest Don's) Citizen Fish have been delivering their anti-governmental/societal/whatever polemic for the last decade or so, while at the same time being part of the first wave of bands to bridge the gap between bouncy ska and reggae, and the societal awareness of early punk.

'Life Size' is a combination of statement about life today, from television and CCTV, to homelessness, sheep-like fandom and mental healthcare, but combined with smart guitar, bouncing ska and um, something else which ends in 'ah'. Core track 'Revolution' is a razor sharp observation on the idea of a quick-fix over-throw, but it's combined with a killer bassline, stonking guitar solo and moshpit chorus. Though in places it just doesn't grab me (the verse of 'Autographs' lollops along in places like it's in danger of falling asleep), 'Life Size' is at least worth a second glance in the record shop. The problem is, it's not something you can easily slip on while doing your smalls - 'Life Size' demands to be listened to and taken seriously.

Unfortunately, most of the general public will be unable to stomach the political conscience that permeates much of the album, will turn their heads in disgust, and return to something that's bit more easy listening... maybe another perma-grin pop song about having crushes, or thrash-fest about being an alienated teenager.
Shame, really.

3/5