A bold, occasionally impudent comeback...
14 · 09 · 2025
Shame's intense and primal return is entirely expected, given the band's established reliability. With four albums to their name, they have demonstrated a talent for evolving while maintaining their momentum. This time, their relevance is enhanced as they delve into themes of corruption and societal complacency in tracks like ‘Cowards Around’ and explore toxic relationships in ‘Quiet Life’.
Emerging from London’s grassroots music scene, particularly Windmill Brixton, it’s no surprise that Shame feels comfortable controlling their own destiny, as it is part of the landscape. For this release, they have collaborated with Grammy-winning producer John Congleton (known for his work with St. Vincent and Angel Olsen), who captured a similar sense of urgency in Mannequin Pussy’s ‘I Got Heaven’ (2024).
When compared to their previous albums ‘Food for Worms’ (2023) and ‘Drunk Tank Pink’ (2021), ‘Cutthroat’ showcases vocalist Charlie Steen taking on perspectives beyond his own. The lead single, ‘Cutthroat’, serves as a numb yet defiant introduction to the album, constructed from layers of past experiences, with lyrics echoing a sentiment of “what else can affect me now?” Tracks like ‘Lampião’ and ‘Screwdriver’ delve into character narratives while incorporating necessary ambiguity. Moreover, escapism emerges as a recurring theme through ‘Quiet Life’, where Steen articulates a toxic relationship, candidly admitting, “I’m a coward cause I know that I can’t say no”.
The album's rawness, which greatly enhances their live sound, is rooted in its spontaneous lyrics and Steen's vibrant vocal expressions. Often rich in lyrical depth, the album also maintains a balanced dose of humor: it’s hard not to recall the memorable tear-away trousers with gold booty shorts that Steen sports during performances; ‘Cutthroat’ comes off as both cheeky and direct.
8/10
Words: Emma Way
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The intense, raw resurgence from Shame is hardly unexpected, given the band's demonstrated reliability. With four albums released, Shame has established a