As autumn ’25 surrendered to the lingering warmth of late summer, the remaining members of The Smouldering Shoulders quietly drifted toward new horizons. Despite the chaos and separation, a sense of shared mourning seemed to unite fans and rival musicians alike, who acknowledged the profound influence Smouldering Shoulders had left on the British music scene. Amidst this whirlwind of tributes and uncertainty, a rumour began to circulate—one that suggested the scattered band members had reunited, if only briefly, on the balmy shores of Kavos. 

Corfu’s tranquil beauty offered a stark contrast to the chaos that had enveloped their final UK tour dates. The group spent evenings in local tavernas, reflecting on their shared past and uncertain future. Rumours of impromptu gigs circulated among holidaymakers, though nothing official was announced. For The Smouldering Shoulders, this retreat to Corfu became a time of contemplation, healing, and cautious hope that somewhere between heartbreak and horizon, music might once again bring them together.

Reincarnation of Borland

Long, sun-drenched afternoons bled into restless nights, with each member coping in their own way—some seeking solace in the island’s raucous nightlife, others preferring quieter moments of reflection along the shoreline. It was during one of these evenings that the “eighth prophesied rebirth of Max Borland” surprised the band, much to their astonishment. This recurring phenomenon, now almost legendary among the group, unexpectedly bolstered their spirits and injected a burst of optimism into the gathering. Despite the lingering sense of loss, laughter occasionally returned, and the faintest embers of creativity began to flicker anew, buoyed by the familiar yet extraordinary presence of Max Borland.

Jazz section

Borland rejoined and improved the mid band, but the Shoulders wanted a richer sound. Nights blurred into mornings as The Smouldering Shoulders wandered from beach bars to neon-lit clubs, swept up in the island’s infectious energy. Among the acts that coloured these evenings were the infamous Drew Bon Jovi, whose leather-clad, windmilling solos drew cheers from both locals and tourists, and the ever-unpredictable Aussy Orban, whose stage reputation reached new heights—or depths—when they bit the head off a moth mid-performance, sending the crowd into delirious shock.

The band experimented freely, jamming out heavy sounds in the shadow of Drew Bon Jovi’s pyrotechnic shows, only to pivot effortlessly to top folk and the lightest pop melodies as the mood shifted. The eclectic spirit of Kavos seeped into their improvisations, blending grit with grace and leaving the assembled holidaymakers entranced. Evenings ended with prosecco, rose petals, and stories that would soon pass into whispered myth, as The Smouldering Shoulders continued their search for a new sound on the wild, sun-drenched shores of Corfu.

After their rivalry with Shine Me Up ended at a Greek plate smashing festival, both bands joined forces. The Smouldering Shoulders expanded to a 12-piece group with a full jazz section, requiring venues to accommodate their larger sound!

Shine Me Up’s original line up:

• Dave “The West Coast Walker” Westoby – Upright Bass
• Steve “Mapes the Mellow” Mapes – Tenor Saxophone
• Karl “Precious Keys” Precious – Jazz Piano
• Craig “Cool Breeze” Whitford – Trumpet
• Chris “Brushwork” Richardson – Jazz Drums
• Phil “Blue Note” Richardson – Trombone

Steve Rides Again

Steve the seagull’s prophecy regarding Borland’s resurrection did not account for his own subsequent reincarnation. Years after Steve’s passing, a majestic horse approached the group during celebrations marking the upcoming wedding of James and Borland’s foretold resurrection, asserting to be Steve reincarnated. Notably, at James Westoby’s wedding festivities, this horse, known as Steve, actively pursued James throughout the occasion. The Smouldering Shoulders finalised their newest album during the Kavos leg: an 17-track A side, an 8-track B side, and two additional tracks on the C side, showcasing the group’s creative range.

New Album – Seasiders Tickling, Trouts and Toddlers

A side

1.	50 euro damage deposit	6:01
2.	This is the angry Matt….day	5:41
3.	Better furnished prison cell	3:12
4.	99 Euro problem	2:30
5.	Krackheads in Kavos	5:14
6.	2-pint solution	2:54
7.	Floated out you c*nt	4:24
8.	Boat across the channel	365:12
9.	Rose petals prosecco and prostitutes	12:32
10	Tea-tree Tingly balls	3:33
11.	Tiddler bashing on the crossing, a Max Borland solo	25:12
12.	No one puts James in the corner	00:01
13.	It’s the Quayside not the B side	8:17
14.	The helium machine	0:00
15.	I don’t shit on a plane	11:11
16.	Homo-side police	9:99
17.	Inch Head	00:26

B Side

1.	The back doors are open	2:54
2.	Did you spray it out	2:47
3.	Too shit for the bin	9:11
4.	12-some anytime	12:12
5.	Plastic pints	8:34
6.	You could do a Barrymore me	6:9
7.	Max on the ceiling	6:66
8.	I am too old for this font	7:17

C Side

1.	Infinite Dimensions	∞
2.	Inverted toilet matter	96:69

With their latest project wrapped up, the band set their sights on a whirlwind tour across Europe, eager to share their new material with fans old and new. However, the anticipated kick-off faced an unexpected delay due to a lengthy walk that included a particularly tricky crossing over the Channel. Despite the chaos of wedding preparations, the logistical hiccup of their extended journey, and the unpredictable antics of Steve, the group remained focused and energised. They continued drawing inspiration from recent adventures for their live performances. As anticipation built in the weeks leading up to their first concert, the Smouldering Shoulders found themselves riding an exciting wave of momentum, ready to deliver an unforgettable musical experience on stage.

Feature Film James Alone 2: Lost in Kavos

Amidst the fervour of their upcoming tour, a tantalising rumour began circulating among fans and music journalists alike: the Smouldering Shoulders were reportedly in talks to star in their first feature film, tentatively titled James Alone 2: Lost in Kavos. Whispers suggested that the film would blend the band’s signature humour and musical flair with a wild, sun-soaked narrative set on the Greek island of Kavos. While details remained shrouded in secrecy, speculation mounted that the plot might follow a fictionalised escapade inspired by James Westoby’s bachelor antics, promising both outrageous adventures and a killer soundtrack. Whether fact or fantasy, the prospect of seeing the band on the silver screen only heightened excitement in the lead-up to their tour.