Live Review: Shambolics – Phase One, Liverpool
~ ‘Mon The Shams ~
Shambolics were recently signed by Alan McGee’s vinyl release, record label creation23 after the main man caught the Scottish band in the capital. Shambolics are showing the music world that hard work really does pay off.
Having a wide Scottish fan base it seems that Shambolics are continuing to grow securing support slots with Cast as well as taking to stages at tramlines, Isle of White along with Reading and Leeds, these lads don’t show any indication of stopping soon.
The album is already showing signs of being a monster of a release with their new single ‘Chasing A Disaster’ being named record of the week on Radio X by Gordon Smart. ‘My Time Is Now’ is an energetic upbeat sing-a-long gig tune, along with ‘Love Collides’ having a crashing intro that will sure get the crowds bouncing.
Playing at Phase One in Liverpool which hosts a record collection on display, opposite a bar then straight in front of you the stage is there to greet you when you walk in.
We entered to a support band called Columbia who were finishing off with ‘Step Inside’ that had a crowd singing along with them… Definitely a tune that I noted down to listen to in the future.
Primal Scream‘s ‘Come Together’ came on and the lights dropped… Shambolics entered and erupted straight into ‘My Time Is Now’ with Darren Forbes (vocalist/guitars) opening to a catchy start, then into a chorus which enabled the crowd to energize straight away. The influence of Liam Gallagher was clear to hear in the vocals of this intro but these had something different, dreamy Rock ‘n’ Roll vibes, these caught the crowds attention straight away.
Followed by the ‘Fight In Me’ and ‘Psychedelic Sally’, you immediately get the feel of a 1960 influence and harmonies similar too, these got arms swaying to dreamy Rock ‘n’ Roll and didn’t allow my 60s over the knee boots to look out of place.
The guitar intro to ‘Love collides’ did not disappoint in getting the crowd bouncing. It immediately hooked in the Scottish fans that had travelled to see their boys, this also got the crowd’s energy matching the upbeat guitar riffs.
It’s clear to see why Creation signed these, the harmonic, melodic and guitar inspired songs from different genres proved these lads are a very versatile band and not afraid at all to play with different styles.
‘Chasing A Disaster’ is the first of their tracks to be unveiled as the new single following the signing with creation23. Although the energy and vibe off the crowd for the B-side ‘Fight ‘Another Feeling’ left me reminiscing of the bands such as Oasis which made as many memorable B-sides as the original singles. First pressing for this vinyl single sold out due to the fan frenzy. And the B-side is already showing signs as being as popular as the single.
‘When She Comes Home’ was a firm favourite to finish too and a definite crowd pleaser to their army of followers along with a sample of ‘The Chain’ by Fleetwood Mac which I was informed that this was a last minute decision.
Described by their mentor and record label owner Alan McGee as ‘One of the great Scottish bands’, they certainly look the part and have definitely helped ignite that spark in Scottish indie music, a scene that doesn’t show any sign of slowing down at present.
I am excited to see what 2020 brings to Shambolics with another two singles to be released on Creation23 before their album, their live shows and variation in their music with all of their influences from the different eras will certainly provide you a performance that will never disappoint.
(Review by – Tamsin Jones)
Photo by – Tamsin Jones
Photo by – Allanah Williams
Photo by – Allanah Williams
Photo by – Allanah Williams
Photo by – Allanah Williams
Photo by – Allanah Williams
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