Thomas Prothero, based out of London, UK, is quite a character, and with his debut single “Disposable People”, he is an exciting new voice in the world of electronic indie folk. Of course, I have never met Thomas Prothero, so my judgement of him as a “character” (a compliment of the highest order) is based largely on what he, himself, has published to the internet. My primary bits of evidence are this wonderfully done music video and an insightful discussion of the origin and meaning of “Disposable People”, both of which showcase an original style and introspective view of the world. Personal judgements and flattery aside, however, we’re here to talk about his debut single.
“Disposable People” is dreamy and atmospheric – no, scratch that: exo-atmospheric. As in outer space, this is a song you would hear sitting at the lobby bar of a hotel orbiting the moon. However much the song wants to float, it is grounded in the reality of its lyrics, drawn from Prothero’s real-life experiences. You can read the piece linked above to get a deeper understanding of the words, but suffice to say, it is a song that fuses bitterness and wry irony with enough self-reflection to form a new, maybe more jaded, but maybe more mature, view on life. For a first single, it is wonderfully mature, hinting at years spent honing a craft. While self-described as electronic indie-folk, “Disposable People” shares a shimmery vibe with the best of the Flaming Lips, while the ending of the song has a classic mid-aughts alternative feel. It certainly has me looking forward to more from Mr. Prothero.
Fortunately, “Disposable People” serves as the lead single from the upcoming album, Unhappy To Be Here, out later this year. The single is available on Bandcamp, and you can follow Thomas Prothero on Instagram to stay up-to-date.
Written by Dylan Steele
