Shambolics share new single ‘Everything You Should’ve Done’
Recent weeks have seen the Scottish quartet Shambolics make a compelling proposition as to why they’re the next big contenders in the world of indie-rock. First, ‘Never Be Mine’ became an instant streaming hit with a flurry of key rock/indie/alternative playlists, and then ‘Attention’ commanded precisely that as they teamed up with the legendary Kyle Falconer of The View. Those two songs suggest that their upcoming debut album ‘Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams’ is the kind of record in which every track could be a single, as that impression is only magnified as they today share the new track ‘Everything You Should’ve Done’.
‘Everything You Should’ve Done’ encapsulates the two traits that make Shambolics such an engaging proposition. It’s an effervescent rush of sparkling indie-pop melody, powered by the kind of irresistible hook that embeds itself deep within your memory after just one play. Yet its life-affirming anthemic power is contrasted by the story told by co-frontmen Darren Forbes and Lewis McDonald which they introduce with the lyric, “I know you’re getting sick and tired of your 9-5 ‘cos you sniff away your troubles just to feel alive.” It’s a melancholy tale of directionless, living-for-the-weekend ennui and regret for opportunities now long lost that so many people from all walks of life will be able to identify with.
Darren Forbes says, “The story of the song is about someone who never seems to grow up and keeps getting stuck in a rut going out partying, emptying his bank balance and not letting go of that teenage lifestyle no matter how old he gets.”
‘Everything You Should’ve Done’ continues to fuel anticipation for the February 16th release of ‘Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams’, which is available to pre-order HERE or pre-save HERE. The band’s official store offers exclusive products including a signed red-and-black marbled vinyl, ned red-coloured CD and cassette plus album bundles.
‘Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams’ resonates with the stories that Shambolics have witnessed and in some cases lived through during their early life in Kirkcaldy: a town with beautiful coastal scenery, but also a place that has little to occupy the local youth. Darren and Lewis formed the band as an alternative to drinking in the park, and were soon joined by Scott ‘Paws’ Williamson (keys/vocals) and Robert Land (drums). They developed a local following due to their riotous gigs ten miles west in PJ Molly’s in Dunfermline before the inimitable Alan McGee (Oasis, Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub and many more) helped to take them to the next level.
Shambolics took that opportunity and ran with it. Every headline tour takes them to bigger venues in Glasgow, filling King Tut’s, The Garage and SWG3 along the way, while their following is building across the UK too following key festivals such as Isle of Wight, TRNSMT, Truck and Y NOT? and a ten-show tour as special guests to Little Man Tate. Their rising status has been further supported by airplay at 6 Music, Radio X and Amazing Radio as well as ongoing love from cult actor Ford Kiernan.
Shambolics will end 2023 by reuniting with Kyle Falconer and The View for special guest shows in London, Edinburgh and Kilmarnock as well as the Year’s End Fest in Manchester. Expect things to ramp up as the release of ‘Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams’ edges over the horizon, with a run of in-stores at Assai Records already confirmed.
DECEMBER – WITH THE VIEW
7th – London, Scala
9th – Manchester, Year’s End Fest
13th – Edinburgh, O2 Academy
14th – Kilmarnock, Grand Hall
FEBRUARY – IN-STORE PERFORMANCES AND SIGNINGS
16th – Glasgow, Assai Records (6pm)
18th – Dundee, Assai Records (1pm)
18th – Edinburgh, Assai Records (5pm)
