Smoke Like A Fish are an eight-piece ska band who hail from deepest Wales and this is their self-titled debut album, released through Do The Dog Music. Smoke Like A Fish have a sound that owes much to the 2-tone ska explosion that occurred in the UK in the late 70’s, thanks to bands like The Specials and Madness. However, the band have also taken a hint of the modern ska-punk sound that until recently was very popular in the states. The result is a very energetic and infectious sound that will have your dancing shoes on in no time.
The album kicks off with ‘Psalm’, a very good indication of what is to follow. It has a brooding, eastern opening that launches into a catchy brass riff and features good use of the piano. It also highlights the intelligent, social commentating lyrics that are a standout feature of this debut. ‘Ready or not’ takes the bands sound up another notch, with a fast and infectious song, with a brass riff and a chorus that won’t leave you alone.
‘Freezing in the Desert sun’ is another standout song, infectious and lyrically strong. However it is on ‘God Loves Man Kills’ that we see the bands lyrics in their best form. “Sacrifice intelligence for the meaning of the crossâ€, they sing over a brooding musical backdrop. It is a song with a clear opinion, and sounds all the better for that.
If there is a criticism to make of the album it is that some of the later songs like ‘We Live Why Die?’ sound a little too similar to earlier tracks. The band would benefit from a slight broadening of their sound, but that is a minor criticism of what is, on the whole, a very decent album.
Smoke Like A Fish should be applauded for producing an old style ska album at a time when a lot of their American counterparts are ditching the sound in favour of the more popular pop end of punk. Those of you disillusioned with that scene should give this homegrown band a chance. Smoke Like A Fish have taken the heritage of the 70’s 2-tone bands and prove to be worthy descendents. With this self-titled release, the band have produced an entertaining and very promising debut.
Mark