shame

shame

Shame is a British post-punk band that formed in South London in 2014. The band consists of lead vocalist Charlie Steen, guitarists Eddie Green and Sean Coyle-Smith, bassist Josh Finerty, and drummer Charlie Forbes. Shame quickly gained attention for their energetic live performances and their confrontational lyrics that address themes of politics, sexuality, and mental health.

shame - Gold Hole

The band released their debut single, "Gold Hole," in 2017 on the label Dead Oceans. The song features a driving bassline, jangly guitars, and Steen's snarling vocals as he critiques the materialism of the upper class. The track received critical acclaim and was followed by the release of their debut album, "Songs of Praise," in January 2018.

Shame - Songs of Praise

"Songs of Praise" received widespread critical acclaim and was included on numerous "Best Albums of 2018" lists. The album features a mix of blistering punk tracks, such as "One Rizla" and "Concrete," and slower, more introspective songs, such as "Angie" and "The Lick." The lyrics on the album tackle a range of subjects, from the struggles of young adulthood to the refugee crisis in Europe.

shame - tasteless

One of the standout tracks on "Songs of Praise" is "Tasteless," a scathing critique of the music industry and the commodification of art. The song features the chorus "You're such a narcissist / You're such a narcissist / You're such a narcissist / And that's why the world spins 'round you." In an interview with NME, Steen explained that the song was inspired by his frustration with the way that music has become "product-ized" and "dumbed down" in order to appeal to the masses.

Following the success of "Songs of Praise," Shame embarked on a world tour, playing sold-out shows in the UK, Europe, and North America. The band's live shows are known for their raucous energy, with Steen often climbing into the crowd and inviting audience members to join him on stage.

shame - Drunk Tank Pink

In 2021, Shame released their highly anticipated second album, "Drunk Tank Pink." The album takes its name from the color of the walls in the isolation tank at a rehabilitation center that Steen visited. The album explores themes of mental health, addiction, and the anxieties of modern life. Musically, the album is more experimental than "Songs of Praise," incorporating elements of funk, jazz, and even spoken word poetry.

shame - alphabet

The lead single from "Drunk Tank Pink," "Alphabet," features a driving bassline and Steen's sneering vocals as he sings about the pressures of conformity in society. The track was accompanied by a music video that features Steen wandering through the streets of London, dressed in a suit and tie and carrying a briefcase. The video ends with Steen breaking out of his restrictive clothing and running free.

Another standout track on "Drunk Tank Pink" is "March Day," which features a spoken-word intro from poet David J. Drayton. The song explores themes of racial injustice and police brutality, with Steen rapping lines such as "Another Black man gone / But you don't know how to react / Is this your privilege on display / As you cower behind your fact?"

Overall, Shame is a band that is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects in their music. Their confrontational lyrics and high-energy live shows have earned them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. With "Drunk Tank Pink," the band has shown that they are not content to rest on their laurels and are willing to experiment with new sounds and styles.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Automatic

Image
Automatic is a post-punk band hailing from Los Angeles that has quickly gained attention for their unique sound and DIY ethos. Comprised of Izzy Glaudini on synths and vocals, Halle Saxon Gaines on bass and vocals, and Lola Dompé on drums and vocals, the band formed in 2017 and has since been making waves in the LA music scene and beyond. One of the most notable aspects of Automatic's music is their ability to blend different genres and influences into a cohesive and distinctive sound. They draw on elements of post-punk, synth-pop, and krautrock, creating a sonic landscape that is both familiar and fresh. The band cites influences such as Can, Suicide, and The Slits, but they manage to create something that is entirely their own. At the core of Automatic's sound is a driving rhythm section that provides a foundation for the band's layers of synths and vocals. Dompé's drumming is particularly noteworthy, with her propulsive beats providing a sense of urgency and momentum
Read more

Sleaford Mods

Image
Sleaford Mods are an English punk duo formed in Nottingham in 2007. The band consists of members Jason Williamson (vocals) and Andrew Fearn (music). Sleaford Mods’ music is characterized by its confrontational lyrics, minimalist beats, and politically charged themes that address the socio-economic issues faced by working-class communities in contemporary Britain. The band’s early years were marked by a series of self-released albums and EPs, including "The Mekon," "Singles Collection," and "Wank." The band’s unique sound and uncompromising lyrics quickly gained them a dedicated following in the UK indie music scene. Sleaford Mods - Divide and Exit Sleaford Mods’ breakthrough album, "Divide and Exit," was released in April 2014 to critical acclaim, earning praise for its raw, minimalist sound and Williamson’s incisive lyrics. The album addresses themes such as austerity, unemployment, and class inequality, with Williamson delivering lines such as
Read more

Squid

Image
Squid Squid is a British post-punk band formed in Brighton in 2017. The band consists of members Ollie Judge (drums and lead vocals), Louis Borlase (guitar and vocals), Arthur Leadbetter (keyboards, strings, percussion and vocals), Laurie Nankivell (bass and vocals) and Anton Pearson (guitar and vocals). Squid’s music is characterized by its complex rhythms, experimental sounds, and politically charged lyrics, and their energetic live performances have earned them a reputation as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the UK. Squid - Lino The band’s early years were marked by a series of self-released EPs, including "Town Centre" and "Lino," which garnered critical acclaim for their unique blend of post-punk, krautrock, and jazz influences. The band’s experimental sound, characterized by intricate rhythms and unusual instrumentation, quickly gained them a dedicated following in the UK indie music scene. Squid - Bright Green Field Squid’s debut album, "
Read more