SharePlaying riotous rock ‘n’ roll with an instantly addictive pop edge, dreamy synth textures and punk-like intensity, Shambolics capture the frustrations and aspirations that young working class adults are experiencing across the UK.
Shambolics reflect a society in which money is tight and opportunities are scarce, yet their joyously exuberant songs provide an escape from the gloom and the hope for better times to come. These strengths shine through on their debut album, Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams, which will be released on February 16th2024 via Scruff of the Neck Records. The band launch the album alongside their new single Never Be Mine.
If you’re new to the Shambolics’ world, the new single Never Be Mine is the perfect place to start. An instantly addictive rush of ragged melody, it’s the tale of a couple whose relationship is simply a fleeting escape from the world around them.
Darren says, “It’s about a boy and a girl who meet each week, but they have no real ambitions to be in a relationship. They know they’re playing one another but don’t really want to say that out loud or admit it to one another; they’re in it for the moment.”
Darren Forbes and Lewis McDonald formed Shambolics as a reaction to the tedium around them; the teen years of hanging around the streets and drinking in the park. With Scott ‘Paws’ Williamson (keys/vocals), Ben Sharp (bass) and Robert Land (drums) completing the line-up, Shambolics soon established a reputation for their frenetic shows at PJ Molly’s in Dunfermline, before their following exploded with the help of a singles deal with the legendary Alan McGee’s Creation23 label.
They’ve enjoyed a steady rise ever since, packing Glasgow headline shows at The Garage, SWG3 and King Tut’s, hitting festivals including the Isle of Wight, TRNSMT, Truck and Y NOT?, as well as earning early airplay at 6 Music, Radio X and Amazing Radio.
Next on the Shambolics schedule is a sold-out show at King Tut’s, which they will follow with special guest tours with Little Man Tate and The View. Expect details of their biggest headline tour to date to be unveiled soon.
TOUR DATES 2023
October
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Thu 12th | Riverside Newcastle + |
| Fri 13th | O2 Ritz Manchester + |
| Sun 15th | The Garage Glasgow + |
| Wed 18th | Engine Rooms Southampton + |
| Thu 19th | Rescue Rooms Nottingham + |
| Fri 20th | O2 Institute Birmingham + |
| Sat 21st | O2 Academy Sheffield + |
| Thu 26th | O2 Academy Islington + |
| Sat 27th | The Welly Hull |
December
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| Wed 13th | O2 Academy Edinburgh ^ |
| Thu 14th | Grand Hall Kilmarnock ^ |
Tickets are now on sale
+ With Little Man Tate
^ With The View