2025 continues to surprise. Just a few months on from Jerry Thornton Jones’ (One The Juggler) solo album ‘Back From Tomorrow’, and here we are with his first album as part of The Shambolicks. Not one to sit around, he is also a member of Kinks tribute band The Konks. And, throughout, there are threads from all these bands, as you’d probably expect. Yet, as with these previous releases, the quality of the tunes is what counts.

From opening instrumental ‘Theme’, it’s clear that things are groovy chez Shambolicks. ‘We Gotta Go’ is part sixties dance floor, part Dr Feelgood riff, with that hint of Bowie in Jerry’s voice. Somehow, it works perfectly, and finishes abruptly, where ‘Apple Charlotte’ is altogether more Beatlesque, circa 1966. It’s a second bite of the cherry for ‘Only Time Will Tell’, but as it’s one of my favourite tunes from ‘Back From Tomorrow’, I won’t complain. The Kinks styled backing vocals really suit the song. If Ray Davies released this today, he’d be applauded.

‘PrimeTime’ has the urgent riff and melody that would equally suit One The Juggler, while ‘Life Goes On’ evokes the more reflective moments of ‘Blue Mask’ era Lou Reed. A pleasant surprise. And, suddenly, ‘Heart Bleeds Rock n Roll’ ups the tempo again, like Bowie playing Hamburg Beatles. Kudos to lead guitarist Scott Blake for getting the tone just right.

And the John and Paul harmonies are present and correct on ‘Consequence Of You’, a hard thing to pull off, it’s really quite touching. ‘The Ticket’ has producer Jim Riley adding harmonica to the acoustic-led tune, and ‘Reflections’ once again captures that mid-60s vibe, just on the edge of psychedelia. I can picture Macca nodding appreciatively at the bass line.

‘No One Really Knows’ ends things like a song you remember warmly from somewhere in your mind. There’s no mistaking that these are lovingly crafted songs from people who care to make something special. That’s rare enough these days, so grab hold of a copy and catch them on tour.

Buy Here or please message jtjones100@hotmail.com

Author: Martin Chamarette