Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Satire has reached a point, where for some, the idea is a caricature of its own self, where you cannot lampoon an individual of certain standing because it demeans the message they are trying to get across, the miles and years they have put into cultivating an image which is pristine and supposedly captures the best of us, that somehow suggests we have to fawn and tip our hat to them whenever they speak, pass judgement, make a noise but which in reality the public could use as a weapon, not one to maim but to prick the over inflated opinion and the pomposity of those that seek to rule.

We live in uncertain times where even the most despicable can seemingly get away with ineptitude, with finding ways to distort the national arena in their favour, however, some remain vigilant, a punk ethic in a world willing to be lampooned, the satire delivered with justice and quite often the only voice not distorted.

It is to Brian Bordello that satire has received a helping hand, the representation of a Prime Minister is never above the art of satire and in his new single, The Boris Johnson Massacre, and with the embracement of the low-fi sound that the artist has been diligently working with over the course of time, has captured the mood, not only of the people he is meant to serve but the anachronism to which we are instructed to show deference to those who enjoy the privilege and luxury to which no one should ever abuse or take for granted.

The single is a timely call out, the manipulation of high office in times of crisis and drama, and what finer way to capture the essence of such anger, than to hear the heart of the music conducted that it comes out of one speaker, a reminder of the old megaphone to which Speaker’s Corner became more than just a starting point and rallying call for the dissatisfied, it took on resonance and extra meaning, it meant you had to truly listen to the message rather than be swamped by it.

Brian Bordello once more frames the point perfectly, such ineptitude, no matter the party, should be allowed the room to do anything but squeal, and in The Boris Johnson Massacre the squeal is overwhelming.

Ian D. Hall