Photo credit: Peter Tainsh
Coming up to three years since his last album Le Vice Anglais reviewed here by Ged Babey, Micko and his Mellotronics are back, as fresh and witty as ever, poised to release another album to kick off the summer season. You want intelligence from a genuine British eccentric without being up his own arse? He’s got it in bucketloads. Micko only gets better and the last of his trilogy will surely hit the spot once again. Read on…
Micko & The Mellotronics dive into Jungian psychology on their new single “Shadow” and provide another glimpse at their forthcoming third album, ‘The Trinity’, which arrives 12th June.
In Carl Jung’s psychology, the Shadow refers to the unconscious parts of your personality that the conscious mind (the ego) rejects or ignores. On their aptly-titled new single Shadow, Micko & the Mellotronics display an awareness of dark impulses, acknowledging them in order to be released from feelings of shame. “In short,” Micko explains, “Jung famously described it as “the thing a person has no wish to be.” But what happens if we are it? What then… The song reflects on this existential question. It riffs on childhood events but looks for liberation through acceptance.”
Shadow is powered by an excellent rhythm section provided by Budge Magraw and Jan Noble (both ex-Cesarians), alongside a dynamic guitar part provided by Paul Cuddeford (The Boomtown Rats). It is also accompanied by a retro, sci-fi music video filmed across three locations in The Lightship recording studio in London – a mix and live room (where the band are trapped in time) and the lighthouse itself.
Directed by Ashley Jones, the video stars his daughter Carrie Jones who Micko describes as the “star of the show.” Her performance aligns perfectly with the frontman’s Doctor Who-style character, adding to the energy of the track.
About ‘The Trinity’
Set for release on 12th June, ‘The Trinity’ was recorded at home with contributions from Paul Cuddeford providing lead guitar/E bow arrangements, who augmented Micko’s initial compositions. The stellar rhythm section is provided by Budge Magraw and Jan Noble. Other contributions across the record come from Arnulf Lindner (Ed Harcourt/Richard Ashcroft) who created a magnificent string arrangement for “When I’m Dead”, and Terry Edwards (PJ Harvey) who brings the record to a mystical climax with the outro to “Mystery of the Night”.
The record was made while Micko was supporting his mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, which became the dominant backdrop. “The trinity is a special album for me,” comments Micko, “as I found myself pushing further into the writing and characters that inhabit the songs as a refuge, in order to remain afloat rather than adrift as the unstable moorings of family past became ever more present.”
“Micko & The Mellotronics paint a sonic picture with your ability to think and understand things, especially complicated ideas,” shared former producer for the Rolling Stones Chris Kimsey, “The raw, honest, emotive voice carries a posture and authenticity that resonate deeply, painting vivid pictures – the allure of city life and the comfort of your own front room.”
“Shadow” artwork, credit: Garry Barker
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