‘universal credit’ by shambolics: Theatrical and full of surprises

by brooke and aura

A ringing phone, shuffling papers, background chatter and a heavy sigh is where we pick up with Shambolics in the latest single ahead of their much anticipated debut album, Dreams, Schemes and Young Teams, which drops February 16. ‘Universal Credit’ – out February 2 – may be one of the most theatrical and surprising songs we’ve ever heard, as subversive in its refusal to adhere to traditional song structures as in its rejection of the soul-sucking (albeit prevailing) live-to-work paradigm.

Not once in its 3 minute and someodd runtime could we confidently predict where it was going next. And not once did our grins falter. Spoken bits are interspersed with rhyming segments delivered in a cadence that resembles nothing so much as slam poetry, woven together with sing-songy passages and genuinely sung verses, all encompassed by a simple melody and beat. Altogether it’s perplexing, compelling, and exciting. 

There’s anger, social commentary, and plenty of self-deprecating humour couched in the hyperbolic dialogue as singer/guitarist Darren Forbes goes toe-to-toe with an imagined advisor over his lack of gainful employment and unfaltering commitment to a “silly pipe dream.” We love the pickup at the chorus, and its melodic mantra that makes this a millennial-Gen Z anthem for all who would also desperately like to say “fuck you and your silly job… I want to be happier than you.”

Thematically, we’re reminded of last week’s ‘Millionaires’ by fellow Scots, The Snuts, but this take is cheekier, the approach more blatant. Incredibly, this was apparently supposed to be a bonus track. We’re SO glad it’s getting its own moment in the sun. It’s smart, creative, thoughtful, and good for a laugh, to boot. 

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