Shambles Miller - Shambles Sails The Clockwork Sea

Last Friday saw the release of Shambles Sails The Clockwork Sea, the second EP from the unmistakable Shambles Miller!  Like his debut, Shambles Vs. The Dragonwizard, this release is another folky gem.

At times on the EP, he's joined by a smattering of his closest friends who provide the double bass, some flute and the odd backing vocal or two, but for the most part, it's just Campbell on his lonesome with his trusty guitar.  Either way, despite being what can only be described as "stripped back", Shambles' music has an incredible power to it which is in no small part down to his lyrical genius.    His ability to chronicle aspects of everyday life he's passionate about is second to none.  A Billy Bragg for the blogging generation if you will, and certainly one of my favourite songwriters around at the moment.

So, to the songs themselves.  The opening track Strike!, believe it or not, is a protest song of sorts.  One which wouldn't sound out of place were it played amidst a sea of placards waved by a disgruntled mob.   Back in April, I interviewed Campbell and he told me "I'm influenced by everything around me, but things which make me passionate or angry tend to get my creative juices flowing".  This confession is backed up by song number two on the EP, Things That Make Me Angry.   It too, is a cracking piece of songwriting, and a damn fine tune to boot.    If you ask me what my favourite track is though, then I absolutely love his brutally honest ode to drinking, the aptly named Beer Song.   Have a listen for yourself!

The EP is available now from Campbell's bandcamp page.   If you fancy seeing him live, there's one date on the horizon...

Upcoming Gigs
3^rd Nov - Frankenstein, Glasgow

...and if you fancy a wee taster of what he's like live, there's a few free tracks for you to download on his last.fm page, and a wee interview and session for Define Pop to be heard here.