Scotland’s latest revelation Shambolics’ calm the storm with iconic livestream
Words by Tom Farmer- @TomFarmerJourno @tomfarmer5000
In a world of uncertainty and unprecedented events, there is one constant that remains: the emergence of Scottish bands with soul and ambition. From Primal Scream and Jesus and The Marychain to more recent names like Franz Ferdinand and Glasvegas, Shambolics are the inheritors of the title of “Scottish band to watch”. Their latest livestream, set at Edinburgh’s legendary “The Caves”, is testament to exactly why this is the case.
With their roots in Fife, the four-piece released their first single “When She Goes Home”, amassing over 500,000 Spotify streams. In 2019, the band signed to Creation 23, Alan McGee’s resurrection of legendary label Creation Records. With chart success following almost immediately after signing the deal, Shambolics have grown from strength-to-strength. With shoulder-length hair, “casuals” fashion sense and genuine musicianship seemingly an entry requirement, the young Scots have quickly cultivated a strong fanbase.
Beginning with the sound of the Countdown clock, the lads emerged, Buckfast in one hand and instruments in the other, setting the tone for a casually impressive performance. The set oscillated between feelgood, “on shoulders” tracks like “Living in The Shadows”, as well as proper indie bangers like the set-closer and latest single “Love Collides”. With three vocalists, the band has an ability to create incredible harmonies a choral ensemble would be proud of, perhaps bringing a new dimension to indie music.
There were also a couple of celebrity cameos. James Allen of the aforementioned Glasvegas, another band championed by Alan McGee in their early days, joined the newcomers on stage for a soulful rendition of Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes”. They were also joined later by Kyle Falconer of the View for a funk-infused cover of “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac, arguably a high-point of the set. Yet, original or cover, Shambolics brought passion and affability to the stage.
The set, which was in aid for the local Kircaldy Foodbank, marked the end of a turbulent yet prosperous year for the Scottish outfit. With 2021 (hopefully) containing a Shambolics return to The Caves with fans and a healthy festival tour, this could be the major breakout year for a band with so much potential. They’ve certainly got one new fan.
SHAMBOLICS ARE TOURING SCOTLAND IN LATE APRIL. CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFO.
DAMAGED, the new single from Rosellas is out on the 22nd of January. Click here to pre-save.
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