Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

When an artist goes meta there is strange greatness that comes across that raises a smile on those who see the mindplay for its absolute full worth, and high fives the mind with a slap that echoes around the room and reiterates the art doesn’t lie, it glorifies, it attunes, it might hide and deceive, it certainly physically enables, but it does not lie; and as Sam Llanas drives home the point in his brand new single, I’m Not A Robot, it attaches itself to the mood deep down and gives the listener a reason to conceive of security and human liberties in motion.

Reuniting for the first time since 1987 with drummer Guy Hoffman and bassist Bob Griffin, Sam Llanas’ new single is outwardly upbeat, self-naming affair that suggests with heart that it isn’t what it used to be; but tantalising with honour that the reception couldn’t be greater.

For fans of the BoDeans the familiar register of sound last heard in the studio at the latter end of the 80s is one that is welcome and confident, is a self-assurance that name checks the past highs, but also glories in the future that has opened up through reignition of comradeship and brotherhood.

It is in brotherhood that the energy fires on all cannons as the song progresses, and the sense of love, the pleasure of camaraderie is at its zenith. Whilst you could not have been in the room whilst this song was recorded, to have been living at a time when it was released will positively make your day.

I’m Not A Robot is the first of many songs to come that revel in the celebration of the return, of valuing the important detail of what makes you tick with others, chemistry and belief, and a damn fine song to get behind.

Ian D. Hall