On their upcoming single “Proper Job”, Micko & The Mellotronics channel the sound of the 70s and provide another look at their forthcoming third album, ‘The Trinity’.
In January, Micko & The Mellotronics are set to return with their new single “Proper Job”, which finds Micko examining class and creativity over a 70s-inspired soundtrack. Borrowing its title from a phrase passed down from parents to kids in the quest for a stable lifestyle, the track considers the kinds of work those from more privileged backgrounds are less likely to perform, and the resulting dominance of middle-class kids in the arts.
In the first couple of verses, Micko cites Larry David and Brian Eno, the latter of whom once stated, “I think as soon as you can release people from the absolutely grinding poverty that so many people are in, you give them the chance, the space to think and the space to get themselves out of a bad situation.”
Micko explains that both David and Eno were advocates of social security, which allowed them some time to develop their work as artists. Now that’s largely gone, their experience suggests a broader subtext of class related issues in relation to ‘the creative life.’” Later in the song, Micko shifts the setting to a building site, to working unpleasant jobs, and to being spoken down to when finally finding a job you thought you might enjoy.
“These experiences of mine shaped the song,” adds Micko, “However, even with all its pitfalls, living an ‘alternative’, artistic life is still one I wouldn’t trade for any other, so there’s also a joy expressed within.” Musically, the track boasts a retro glam feel thanks to lead guitarist Paul Cuddeford (Boomtown Rats), backed by powerhouse classic-rock rhythm section made up of Jan Noble and Budge Magraw (both Ex-Cesarian). Executive producer Chris Kimsey (Rolling Stones) was also key to the track’s 70s vibe.
The latest single is also accompanied by a music video, directed by Cameron Poole. It features Tuyen Do (author and Emmerdale actor), Haydn Hades (writer) and a mysteriously hooded, snorkel parka-wearing figure who deliberately flunks a job interview in order to evade capture! The track and music video both arrive on 31st January.
“Proper Job” single artwork, credit: Garry Barker
About Micko & The Mellotronics
The Mellotronics formed in 2017 with the intention of turning Micko Westmoreland’s songwriting skills into a dynamic live prospect, and released their debut album ‘1/2 Dove 1/2 Pigeon’ in 2020. The new incarnation of The Mellotronics sees Micko’s rabble-rousing vocals and spiky, agitational guitar work augmented perfectly by the crack squad of drummer Jan Noble and Budge Magraw on bass (both previously from The Cesarians). Paul Cuddeford (Boomtown Rats) moonlights when in town.
Since then they’ve been busy cutting their teeth with a series of shows around the capital and beyond, making return visits to the 100 Club in Oxford Street and earning multiple requests for support slots from acts as established as Evan Dando (Lemonheads), The Woodentops, David Devant & His Spirit Wife, Blue Orchids, Sheep on Drugs, The Television Personalities and The Monochrome Set. Bringing a new dimension of sharp and economic post-punk/new wave attitude to the diverse Westmoreland songbook, they’ve been already been favourably compared to The Jam, Pil, Wire, XTC and Pulp as well as the mean, lean but undeniably powerful sound of Idles or Shame, their sound however is definitively their own.
The Mellotronics have racked up many 6 Music plays from their previous album ‘Le Vice Anglais’, while the previous two singles from forthcoming album ‘The Trinity’ have been featured by Mickey Bradley on his BBC Ulster Friday night show. The last single, “Misery Guts”, made it into the top 25 of Louder Than War’s best of 2025. Marco Perroni from Adam and the Ants is a supporter and has name checked Micko on social media as a rising star.
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