Don't be fooled, the recent rock/indie revival which is sweeping the nation is not just consigned to Glasgow. Across the River Forth, there's currently a wave of bands kicking up a storm, leading the way are Kirkcaldy's Shambolics.
It's been a relatively quiet start to 2018 for the dreamy rockers, but after recently pulling an impressive crowd at Stag and Dagger, a new release ready to drop and the little matter of a King Tuts headline show in July - things are beginning to gather pace.
Team Mockit were lucky enough to catch up with Shambolics's very own, Jordan McHatton, as we discussed all things Shams...and Love Island.
Q. To those yet to discover you guys, who are Shambolics?
We are a 4-piece from Kirkcaldy consisting of Lewis McDonald (vocals/guitar), Darren Forbes (vocals/lead guitar), Dom Hardy (vocals/drums) and myself (vocals/bass guitar).
Q. What musical influences do you share within the band?
We've all got a range of musical influence, but as a collective, i'd have to say; The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Oasis, Stone Roses.
Q. How does the songwriting process work within Shambolics?
A. The Songwriting process usually works by someone bringing in a piece they've been working on at home for example, we'll all bring it together and add our own bits. Lewis and Forbes are the main songwriters but we're quite lucky as we all chip in musically. We've been working on some songs that each of us has brought to the table and they all sound completely different, which is nice.
Q. Your dream venue to play and why?
Would have to be Barrowlands. Just something magical about it.
Q. Current bands who inspire you?
There's a lot of good bands out there the now, i'd have to say; The Blinders, The Northern Threads, The Snuts, Vida, Oskar Braves, Blind Summit, Between The Lines, Plastic Mac to name a few!
Q. How's the relationship between bands within the current Scottish scene?
I'd say we've got a good relationship with the Scottish scene and that's what it needs for bands to work together. There's been gossiping trying to turn bands against each other but we've no time for that. If you look at us and Vida for example, we've done countless gigs and we're all really good friends and that's what it should be about.
Q. As a band making great strides, what advice would you give kids at school looking to start a band?
Just to practice, we're in the studio a minimum 3 times a week, and we are sometimes there till the early hours of the morning. It's all fun and games trying to live the rock and roll dream, but you've got to put in the effort in behind the scenes. There's more to it than just trying to get a few likes on instagram.
Q. Plans for new EP?
Am no sure about an EP but there's 100% a new single on the way. We've been writing and recording like mad. I can't wait to get something released it feels like forever since we got something new out there but it'll be worth the wait.
Q. What keeps you busy out with Shambolics?
I'm still in Full-Time employment as a painter and decorator so a kick about in overalls all day. Forbes and Dom run a studio in Dunfermline so that takes up most of their time.
Q. Thoughts on Love Island?
Monotonous shite.
Q. Is it coming home?
Haha, I need to be careful how I answer this! You never know, they have been playing decent! But there's still some top teams in there a wouldn't rule out teams like Croatia.
The Shams play a sold-out headline gig as part of King Tuts Summer Nights on the 20th of July. With only a handful of extra tickets going on sale shortly, keep your eyes peeled!
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