Striking a neat balance between jangling Britpop sensibilities and sticky late-night ‘80s-inspired grooves, “Take It Or Leave It” steps into a relationship that’s heading down a one-way street with no easy way back.
As vocalist Darren Forbes explains:
“We wanted to write a tune with a bit more of a groove and a bit more space. I think this track has a summery feel to it too. When we wrote it we already had the chorus and bassline and just worked the chords around that. The lyrics are pretty much about someone who is making an effort with someone but getting none back, and they’re pretty much just saying: ‘take it or leave it’.”
Following on from earlier singles “What’s Going On In Your Head”,“Like A Breeze” and most recent release “Living In Shadows”, their latest track is taken from Shambolics’ new EP ‘U Serious Boi?!’, their debut release on tastemaker imprint Scruff of the Neck Records.
Produced by Chris Marshall at 7 West Studios in Glasgow, the ‘U Serious Boi?!’ EP traverses through gritty rock’n’roll, retro-tinted indie, and danceable pop. From the hands-in-the-air anthemia of opener “Like A Breeze”, to the gentle guitar ballad “Living In Shadows” or the feedback-drenched Smiths-y waltzer “Never Gonna Change”, it’s a collection that finds the Shams diversifying their sound, growing in confidence and at the top of their game. Complete with a searing version of fan favourite “Sharp As A Razor” (Live At SWG3 Glasgow), the EP testifies to the power of their unbeatable live gigs too. ‘U Serious Boi?’ is set for release on 14 April 2023 on the Scruff of the Neck imprint, with tracklisting as follows:
SHAMBOLICS – ‘U SERIOUS BOI?!’ EP TRACKLIST
1. Like A Breeze
2. Living In Shadows
3. Take It Or Leave It
4. Never Gonna Change
5. What’s Going On In Your Head
6. Sharp As A Razor
* * * *
Hailing from Fife but having recently relocated to the bustle of Glasgow, Shambolics have made a name for themselves on the Scottish scene and beyond with their infamous live performances and impressive knack for a hook-laden single.
Making waves with key tastemakers, the band have attracted extensive radio support from the likes of BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Scotland, Radio X, Talk Sport and more, whilst receiving praise from the likes of Clash, Gigwise, Tenement TV, Louder Than War and many more.
Having played countless major festivals across the UK including TRNSMT, Stockton Calling and Sound City, as well as support slots with Richard Ashcroft (The Verve), The View, and Embrace; Shambolics have a reputation for a transcendental live show.
“We love experimenting and being creative in the studio,” Darren adds. “But that’s only half the story for us. Our shows are a collective experience, so if a song gets people going mad at a gig then we’ve got a winner.”
Playing a homecoming gig at PJ Molloys in Fife in December, which raised over £700 for Kirkcaldy Foodbank, the band are now gearing up for a full UK tour this Spring. Kicking off with what promises to be another SOLD OUT show in their new stomping ground of Glasgow on 15 April, full dates and details are below.
SHAMBOLICS UK LIVE DATES 2023
APRIL
15 GLASGOW The Garage
20 MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
MAY
4 HULL Adelphi
5 YORK Fulford Arms
12 WREXHAM The Rocking Chair
13 STOCKTON ON TEES Ku Bar
14 LEEDS Oporto
18 SCUNTHORPE Cafe Indie
19 LIVERPOOL EBGBS
20 LONDON Sebright Arms
21 BIRMINGHAM Dead Wax
Tickets are available now here:
https://shambolicsmusic.co.uk/pages/live
