A band of free-spirited individuals, Japanese Fighting Fish thrive on the interplay of ideas that come from resoundingly different musical roots. Songs have a theatrical and narrative approach to the lyrics with beautifully rich and hypnotic melodies, guitars twinkering and blazing, and underneath this, a rhythm section that is soaked with Afrobeat and Cuban grooves but with obvious rock and funk elements. With influences counting Faith No More, Nick Cave, Captain Beefheart, Queens of the Stone Age, System of a Down, Jeff Buckley, and The Freak Zone, ‘Just Before We Go Mad’ is a collision of varied styles, an album described by the band as ‘born through a journey of instances, quick sharp and painful...just the way we like it.’ All in all, the music of Japanese Fighting Fish is full of highs and lows with a nucleus that will have you dance, and rock your socks off. (Ed. For a handy hint, watch Si’s hips, the one with the quiff.) ’...One of only three bands to impress me that I’ve known nothing about before hand, a great live band....Japanese Fighting Fish are wicked’ - Will Grinder, Leedsmusicscene.net ’A highlight of my last five years…my tip for success!' - Will Jackson - Producer of The Cribs, The Music and The Pigeon detectives - Vibrations Magazine ‘What better bunch of musicians could a fellow musician wish for? When I listen to the album I imagine these crazy bastards and when I play with them, there's no denying they exist.’ – Gareth Fish, Japanese Fighting Fish
