Citizen Fish

Citizen Fish

Citizen Fish are a punk and ska punk group from Bath in the United Kingdom, active since 1990. The band forms around Dick Lucas on vocals and words, Jasper Pattison on bass, Trotsky on drums and Larry on guitar. Their early line-up has later changes: after the first album, Free Souls in a Trapped Environment, Larry leaves and Phil Bryant takes over on guitar. Dick Lucas, Phil Bryant and Trotsky all also have a background in the British punk group Subhumans, while Jasper and Dick previously play together in Culture Shock.

Style and themes

The band’s lyrics often deal with social and political issues. Recurring subjects include anti-consumerism, vegetarianism, criticism of the status quo, and calls for people to get along with one another. Their sound sits within punk, ska and ska punk, and they are also associated with anarcho-punk.

Line-up changes and later activity

In 2006 Silas replaces Trotsky on drums, and Trotsky continues to play with Subhumans. Other members associated with the group include Matt Dowse, Alex Gordon and Nightswim.

Collaborations and related acts

In 2006 Citizen Fish tour with Leftöver Crack and record a split LP with them. The group also has a rumoured connection to the fictional band Citizen Dick from the film Singles, which is said to be an homage to Citizen Fish and its singer.