Singing the Election Blues

Morrissey’s song ‘Isle of Dogs’ was released on 16 October 2026 as the B-side to ‘Kerching Kerching’. Written with Alain Whyte, it draws on themes of poverty, work moving overseas and distrust of public institutions. In a column published ahead of the US midterm elections, critic Armond White interprets the song as an expression of political frustration and voter disillusionment. The release itself makes no endorsement of a candidate or party.

White also reads the lyrics as criticism of the NHS and of pandemic-era policies. Those are the critic’s interpretations, rather than established claims about healthcare or vaccination. His column is a cultural review framed around election season, not a report on a campaign or election result. Morrissey’s own announcement and the record listing confirm the song’s release and its place on the single.