Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
It seems ridiculous now, but there was a time when declaring that you have been inspired by the comic book industry, graphic novels and every sense of art in between was considered by parents, teachers, and education superiors to be the sign of a feeble and ineffectual mind. Even reading comics drew criticism, the young and searching mind that has found glory in a definitive artwork made to feel small, stupid as they attempt to explain that what appears on the page is more than just moments captured, but whole new worlds of expression to be thrilled by.
Thankfully we no longer live in such a draconian atmosphere, the toxicity of old-fashioned opinions and positions of self-grandeur have been replaced by the acceptance that graphic novels, comic books of every shade are a reflection of the world, the individual eye and thought are more important than terms that on the whole held back children from experimenting with mood, culture and placement.
To be inspired is to act, and for Trap Metal artist Becko the act is simple, refreshing, it is an expression undaunted by knowing oneself, and it is grand, experimental, undeterred by the imposing fear of others, and it holds a philosophy of spirit that is infectious, an album of timing, of refusing damnation, of adopting the practise of Hikikomori, the act of being a recluse but with observations turned into art.
Across tracks and dark noir Manga interludes such as Otaku Pride, Kawaii Suicide, Boku No Universe, The Pheonix, The Unknown, and Dreamcatcher, Becko’s latest release of You Are (Not) Alone is one that can be seen as embracing the heroic, the act of Hikikomori resembling the framing of the comic book art, effectively caught in a prison like structure, the observed path constricted by a series of panels in which the story progresses, and one that is patient in its reveal whilst acknowledging that others might find it cold, disturbing, unsettling.
You Are (Not) Alone in any form is the point of reaching out to those who feel trapped and confined by oppression, and the monster of the repression of liberty has been total in the last couple of years for more people than we can imagine. It is to the artist, of any shade, to highlight this movement, yes we want sociability for all, but we must also understand the island of isolation many have landed upon, cast adrift on the seas of design, and their only source of conscious is to be inspired by whatever art comes their way.
An album of drama, of responsibility, of anger caught in the swell of caring for the loss of others, Becko stands resurgent as he implores that you are not alone.
Becko releases You Are (Not) Alone on 1st April via FiXT.
Ian D. Hall