By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night, Tampa, FL
Review: The Fish Mitten’s debut album-My wife’s clothes don’t fit me anymore-Release date February 14, 2021
I have to say my new favorite band is a four-piece punk band from Kent, UK, called The Fish Mittens. Yes, The Fish Mittens—look up the meaning of the name. I have listened to their album My wife’s clothes don’t fit me anymore probably about half a dozen times over the last two weeks. I have had an earworm for one song in particular called “Sunny Meadows” (you know, the insane asylum, but now I digress). Probably if I could describe the band’s music in a few words it would be “Madness meets Sex Pistols”. There is a ton of dark, irreverent humor with super catchy guitar rhythms, hilarious ‘adult’ topics, and plenty of punk punchiness, whipped into a 10-song package.
First off, I am assuming the album was inspired during lockdown—or perhaps, it was taking its toll on the chaps. The lyrics of the songs center around sex—or the lack thereof. I am finding myself singing along to the chorus of “Custard galore” (we aren’t talking about donuts here), “She’s got nits” (but he obviously doesn’t care), and “Peep Show” (pretty self-explanatory). There’s a rockabilly song about a local brand of red sausage called “Saveloy”, which I get a visual while listening. Someone obviously needs to get laid.
There’s not just the lack of sex but kinky sex going on in the songs like “Strangelove” and the cheeky “My wife’s clothes don’t fit me anymore” (because he’s gotten too fat). Hmm…more pandemic inspired fodder?
“Strawberry jam” isn’t about a jar of that sweet concoction. No-no. This song with a very upbeat tempo describes a man jumping off a building (check out the video). Splat! You get the picture.
Back to the earworm song “Sunny Meadows”. The lyrics describe a scenario (think One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) but with a very upbeat tempo and melody that is real hard to forget.
The Fish Mittens describe their music on BandCamp as “dark, brutal and funny in equal measure with killer tunes to boot.” That pretty well sums it up! You have melodic, 70s-inspired punk music, with a bit of “frat boy attitude”, and a wee bit of campiness. I’m in love!
The Fish Mittens are..
Mick Mould: Vocals
Mike Bridle: Guitar
Paul Clemas: Bass
Tim Powell: Drums
VIDEOS
Song List
Dirty Harry, Strangelove, Sunny meadows, She’s got nits, Saveloy, Public schoolboy, Custard galore, Peep show, Strawberry jam, My wife’s clothes don’t fit me anymore
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
