Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell – The Trouble with the Shovell
Release Date: 24th April 2026
Label: Rise Above Records
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Genre: 70s Heavy Rock (ish)
FFO: Black Sabbath, Budgie, Atomic Rooster, Sir Lord Baltimore.
Review By: Paul Cairney
“I hope people at the very least understand that we’re not doing this for love, fame, nor respect. We’re just a bunch of hairy drongos with a penchant for outdated greaser rock”. These are the words of Louis Wiggett, bassist of East Sussex based outfit Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell about their 5th album, The Trouble with the Shovell.
This self-depreciating comment is typical of Sir Cloudesley, a band I have followed since 2014’s Check ‘Em Before You Wreck ‘Em. It is a quote that would, mistakenly, make you think that they don’t take their music too seriously. Quite the opposite. The Trouble with… is a very enjoyable album, crafted with care and, a big degree of love.
Tracks such as album opener, ‘Laughing Gravy’, set the tone. An energetic song, it ambles along like a comfortable jacket, keeping you warm and fuzzy, with you knowing that your other half wants you to have a newer jacket. But you like your jacket, it makes sense to you.
The album hints at doom on occasions. ‘Blue Mountain Dust’ is a heavier slab with groove-laden riffs that allow the trio to bring their heavy. ‘Head in a Noose’ gives a more 70s, almost glam-rock ambience that invokes a Slade feeling.
The best aspect of The Trouble with… is the unhealthy catchiness the band provide throughout. It will make you hum, you will sing different parts of the album at random times during the day. Best of all, is that it will make you smile.
Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell are possibly not on your list of bands you have to cheer yourself up, but they should be. More importantly, The Trouble with the Shovell is a great place to start.
(3.5 / 5)
